With the Winter viruses now upon us, and the recent rise in Scarlet Fever and Strep A in children, as well as some adults who work in schools and nurseries, I have been a bit concerned about mixing with my school age Grandchildren, and my Daughter who is an Infant Teacher and has cases in her school.
I have CLL and am on watch and wait. I am up to date with all my vaccines. Is it a case of treating this like any other winter borne virus, and being sensible, mask wearing etc, or should I be avoiding contact with anyone who has been in contact with these two virulent viruses. Are these more likely to cause serious illness in people with blood cancers?
I would appreciate any information on this,
Many Thanks
Rusticsoul
Hi Rusticsoul I can understand your concerns. I have an incurable NHL and had significant treatments over my 23 years including two Allo (Donor) Stem Cell Transplants so all my childhood vaccinations were killed off so had to have most of my vaccines again although ai could not get live vaccines like the MMR so I am open to Mumps, Measles and Rubella.
My approach is the same when covid became a thing, just to be carful and not let fear define me.
Strep A lives on the skin and is present in the nose and throat of many people. This bacteria commonly causes sore throats, perfectly treatable with antibiotics. It is only if the organism gets into the bloodstream and turns to sepsis it then can become life threatening. Any of us that are immunocompromised for any reason have to be mindful of any infections…if you spike a temperature, which is not responsive to normal measures plus a severe worsening sore throat then seek immediate medical advice. No different to any other circulating viral or bacterial infection.
