When it comes to the flu, I am terrified! I had one very narrow escape last year where the flu had made my immune system even more aggressive than usual so instead of actually fighting the flu my immune system went into overdrive attacking even more platelets than usual. The outcome was my platelets plummeted to 12,000 (yeep). For those of you who do not truly understand platelet levels and the risk factors involved with low platelets I am going to enlighten you. Basically, 12,000 is when your body can have spontaneous bleeding (meaning you could bleed for no apparent reason and because your platelets are low your body does not have the ability to delay or stop the bleeding therefore you will bleed out and if not treated immediately you will die). Hence, why now I somewhat have a phobia of sick people.
I cannot guarantee that each time I catch the flu that the outcome will be the same however, what I can guarantee is that I do not want to find myself in the same predicament.
The scary thing is that statistics are already displaying a killer flu season on its way. In fact, the stats are highlighting more than three x of patients have been diagnosed this year compared to last year.
The flu is a short name for influenza. A virus that attacks the respiratory system. Generally when you are sick with a virus your body acknowledges this virus and builds up a defense system by making antibodies against it. Your body is usually pretty clever and will ensure that you do not get that particular virus strain again. However, the flu virus changes every year.
The flu virus is easily spread through the air when a person contaminated with the virus sneezes, coughs, or speaks. It can also be passed on through touch (eg. when a healthy person touches a contaminated item and then touches their mouth or nose the virus can enter their system).
Now whilst you may want to avoid sick people it is not as simple as it seems. People carrying the flu virus can be contagious 1 day before displaying symptoms and 5-7 days after they get their first symptom. Therefore, it is possible for people to pass on the flu before they are even aware that they have it.
How do you know if you have the flu?
Main symptoms of the flu are;
Headaches
Sore throat
Fever
Chills
Muscle aches
Stuffy nose
Dry cough
What precautions can you make?
To prevent catching the flu you can keep some hand sanitizer handy, do not share your utensils, cups, towels etc. and when you see a sick person try to stay clear of them.
You may even decide to opt in for a flu shot however take this step with a side of precaution. Just like everything with ITP, not one size fits all. Therefore, whilst some ITP patients are fine receiving a flu shot others have had bad reactions. Always consult any treatment methods with your hematologist before moving forward.
What to do once you get the flu?
If you do happen to catch the flu this season, the best thing you can do is take care of yourself. Rest and drink lots of fluids. Also keep a watchful eye on your bodies warning signs that your platelets may be low (these warning signs include; petechaie spots, bruising, ulcers in mouth, noise bleeds etc.). Call your hematologist immediately if your body is indicating low platelets.
Please note although the natural reaction would be to go get some antibiotics to help, unfortunately antibiotics do not help with the flu.
Another key point is to stay away from blood thinners like ibuprofen (here is a small list of over the counter medicines to stay clear from).