[Maz0252]

Hi everyone, just needing a bit of advice really. Although I haven't got the final diagnosis of lupus my gp and consultant both think it is that. I've read up quite a bit on things and have been dreading getting the usual winter colds.

Last year I seemed to have cold followed by flu followed by cold all winter, and HR went balistic at the amount of time I had off.

Anyway, a couple of people came to a meeting at my office the other day - spluttering away and promptly gave me their colds. Not normally a problem, only I came down with it big time, spent most of the time since last Thursday flat on my back, not knowing what is lupus symptoms and what is cold symptoms. I've also now got a chest infection and can barely breathe so I guess I'd better go to see the doctor. I'm back at work, forced myself in because I can do without the grief from HR quite frankly. I also wasn't amused as it was my birthday and wedding anniversary on the day I came down with the bug.

So, my long winded question is: how do you nicely tell people not to come near you if they have a cold and what do you do to cope with a cold when unlucky enough to get one?

Sorry to whinge and moan but I have felt so wretched and cheesed off....

 

[Katharine]

Hello Maz,

I'm sorry to hear you're feeling so rotten. I have always been very good at sailing through things but I have a feeling that is changing now as I'm on immunosuppressants. Luckily I don't have spluttering co-workers. The dog is my main work companion.

If I were you I would ask your GP about getting the flu vaccine. That could at least help with the flu and possibly reduce the colds too. Most people who have lupus are advised to get the flu vaccine by their docs.

Avoiding others is very difficult. They would need to know a lot about the disease in order to actually appreciate the importance.

Katharine

 

[Joandublin]

Hi Maz

Sorry you're feeling rotten :hugbetter: I dont know that there is any simple answer to your predicament. Unfortunately this is the season for colds and flu and its next to impossible to avoid getting them if you are out and about and meeting people.

I know you dont have a definite diagnosis yet but just to explain how the immune systems works in Lupus... Generally speaking most people get a cold and their immune systems revs up to fight it off. Thats exactly the same with or without Lupus. The thing with Lupus is that we have an overactive immune system which forgets to switch itself off once it has disposed of the 'enemy'. Thats when it can start to turn on itself and attack other healthy body tissue causing what is known as a 'flare'.

Maybe the best thing is for you to try and take as many precautions as possible. Washing your hands regularly for example can prevent the passing on of lots of germs. Although it sounds drastic, you have the option of wearing a surgical mask but Im not sure that would go down well in the workplace!

I dont think I have helped much. If someone comes into my office coughing and spluttering I usually back away and tell them to get out! I do it of course with a bit of humour It doesnt always work though! Im just recovering from a chest infection myself

Luv n stuff
Joan:rose:

 

[Maia]

My best advice is to back away from anyone with an obvious cold if at all possible. Also realize that with colds, the normal transmission mouth is touching the germ on some surface and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes. So the best defense is frequent handwashing and avoiding touching your face like the plague! If you must touch your face then always wash your hands first (such as at night when cleansing for example).

If someone sneezes right in your face (as my dear daughter did one time) then it is pretty much completely unavoidable. But hopefully your coworker peers do not cough sputum or sneeze in your face such that you can feel it!

The flu can be spread the same way but can also be airborne so it becomes more important to get the flu shot to protect yourself from the flu bug. It's a highly recommended preventive measure for lupus patients and anyone that can't afford to be off work for 1 week plus!

Hope you recover from these germs soon. A cold is no fun at all, especially when it turns into a bacterial chest infection on top of it.

(((hugs)))

 

[spacenoodle]

We always seem to have sick people at my workplace, and I make no qualms about avoiding them or backing away from them. And, I keep my Lysol disinfecting wipes and spray near me at all times!

I wash my hands often and use hand sanitizer, too. Not to mention I try to eat as healthy as possible.

I managed to avoid getting sick at all last year, using these methods, so I'm hoping it works for me again this year!

 

[Katharine]

Hello spacenoodle

This is a very old thread dating back 2 years so it's quite unlikely anyone will reply.

Katharine