Connect with others who understand.

  • Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  • Real advice from people who’ve been there
  • People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
Powered By
Real members of MyLeukemiaTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

My family got something after Christmas. My husband is the one with CLL. I think my hubby has finally gotten what we all have however his is manifesting in a cough and sore throat.

Last year when we got the flu. We had the same type and I had it affect my stomach and he got a bad cough that lasted forever. His Primary Dr was concerned with his labs then bug was just watching at that point. We think he had CLL then even though he wasn’t diagnosed till now.

Anyway sorry about unloading all… read more

December 30, 2025
 · 
Reactions

Answer Summary

Members shared practical strategies for managing colds and flu with CLL, emphasizing the importance of rest, hydration, fever monitoring, and... Read more

Members shared practical strategies for managing colds and flu with CLL, emphasizing the importance of rest, hydration, fever monitoring, and seeking early medical intervention to prevent complications like pneumonia. Several members discussed IVIG infusions as an immune system treatment that has helped reduce infections, with advice to advocate persistently if insurance initially denies coverage, while others recommended preventive measures including masking in public spaces, strategic shopping times, hand hygiene, vaccinations, and homeopathic remedies like Cold Calm or Mullein tea. A recurring theme was the emotional toll of watch-and-wait status and weakened immunity, met with strong encouragement from the community to be proactive, push for medical support without guilt, and take every precaution seriously to avoid prolonged illness.

A MyLeukemiaTeam Member

Ajaya, would you be so kind as to tell us what the name of your immune treatment is called? My appointment with my Oncologist is coming up in February and I am going to ask him about this.

January 1
A MyLeukemiaTeam Member

I’m with Carol. I, too, am on watch and wait diagnosed 2.5 yrs ago, but I think I had it several years before diagnosis. In June I caught a cold which turned into bronchitis, had a chest x-ray to rule out pneumonia, was on antibiotics, and was sick 5 weeks. I shop at 7:30-8 am, start wearing a mask starting November, and just turned down two invitations for New Year’s Eve and day, which kills me because I love socializing. I have had 3 pneumonia vaccines…Prevnar 13, 20, and 23 and the RSV vaccine. I wash my hands like a surgeon and keep hand sanitizer in the car along with Clorox wipes. I do not touch my eyes, nose, or mouth for anything until I have gotten home for a full hand wash. Norovirus can survive through hand sanitizer. Only a good soap and water wash is effective. I wear a mask to the gym. As this progresses my infection fighting capability will tank. I need to fly to San Diego late Jan to watch the grandkids, and my mask is on for terminal, plane, Lyft. I don’t want to feel like I felt in June if at all possible.

January 2
A MyLeukemiaTeam Member

I was diagnosed with CLL about 20+ years ago. Because I undergo regular therapy for my immune system I've only had one cold and no flu in those 20+ years. I did get covid. I'd talk with my oncologist about ongoing immune therapy. It couldn't hurt to bring it up. I hope your husband gets better soon.

December 30, 2025
A MyLeukemiaTeam Member

I had taken proactive precautions with eating healthy exercising taking vitamins getting vaccinations to help my body. No sickness in 2 years because of my precautions. I think we experiment if we doing something or if we do nothing? My health experiment seems to be working?

January 4
A MyLeukemiaTeam Member

I am sorry to hear your insurance may be hesitant to cover IVIG for you. Continuous infections and low IGG, under 600, sounds like your immune system isn't up to par. Would your oncologist be willing to ask your insurance to cover treatment due to your immune system declining? If they deny coverage your oncologist can appeal. They almost always deny the first request. But facts and figures with test results can often persuade an insurance company to cover the cost of infusions. If you don't ask you don't get!
Has the oncologist ordered a flow cytometry test as evidence of your blood cancer? That should definitely provide the evidence needed. Very few people in this world can afford the out of pocket cost of IVIG infusions. Don't give up! Keep asking and pushing.

January 3

Related Questions

View All
A MyLeukemiaTeam Subscriber asked a question 💭

Continue with Facebook
Continue with Google
By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data and Privacy policies.
Already a member? Log In