Afraid of the flu? Me, too. With no immune system, catching a flu bug could mean a trip to the hospital or even a trip to the morgue. I was terrified. But, I got some great advice that helped me avoid germs and infections that may help calm your nerves this flu season.
The words of wisdom came after I had lived in a bubble for 30 days. A germ-free bubble to keep me healthy while doctors destroyed my immune system, then built it back up. My bubble was a hospital room on the 18th floor of the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. Live plants or fresh fruits were prohibited in the bubble. They were just too dangerous. Visitors had to put on gowns, gloves and a surgical mask before entering. They carried too many germs. Every surface was smooth, easy to clean and always germ-free.
I went to battle in that bubble. Backed by a team of experts in stem cell transplantation, I fought the most physically grueling battle of my life. It was my last chance to survive terminal bone marrow cancer. Other treatments were failing, and a stem cell transplant was the last and final option.
The bubble held firm. I survived the knockout chemotherapy that destroyed my old cancerous stem cells along with other parts of my gastrointestinal system and my immune system. With the help of some anti-rejection drugs, I fought off the complications of receiving a healthy batch of new stem cells donated by a generous soul on the other side of the world.
It took 30 days to go to the brink and back. Or, at least back far enough to consider leaving that germ free bubble. With no immune system, it’s a risk, but with some simple precautions, doctors were confident that I could sidestep harmful germs, bacteria, and viruses while the immune system rebuilt itself. And, besides, you can’t stay in that bubble forever.
If you want to stay healthy this flu season, do what my doctors recommended when it came time for me to leave my bubble and face the outside germ-filled world. Here are the highlights from a mandatory 90-minute hospital seminar my wife Cindy and I attended before my release.
Wash your hands! This simple task is your best defense against an invading army of bacteria or infections. Use antibacterial soap and wash your hands before eating or handling any food. Don’t even think about leaving a bathroom without a thorough scrubbing. The hands should be washed immediately upon returning home from any outing. If you want to take it a step further, anyone entering your home should wash their hands with soap and water immediately. Everyone had to do that at my house for a while.
Wear a surgical mask. I was never a fan of the surgical mask, but I had to wear one at all medical facilities, crowded areas and anytime strangers were within six feet during the cold or flu season. It helps trap germs at other popular points of entry like your mouth or nose.
Stay out of crowds. Germs gather and travel quickly in crowds. The nurse made a strong point of avoiding anyone who had a cough, runny nose or signs of any kind of illness. Remember the six-foot rule.
Stay away from sick kids. Young children are germ magnets and carry around all kinds of nasty bacteria. Kids less than 12 are to be avoided if possible. If you have young children, they should wash their hands and change their clothes when getting home from school or daycare.
Pets require special handling. Wash your hands after handling any animal. Kick your pets out of bed during flu season and don’t let them have any contact with your face. Doctors cautioned against bringing any new pets into my household for a year after my transplant. I’d avoid it during flu season, too.
Stay out of the dirt. You may want to put off gardening or yard projects until after flu season. If you want to avoid germs, don’t go digging in the dirt.
Watch what you eat. The nurse spent a long time on food and beverage consumption. Anything you eat must be thoroughly cooked. Never eat at a buffet and never order raw vegetables like salads in a restaurant or buy precut vegetables in a grocery store. Raw vegetables were okay at home if they are thoroughly washed and peeled. Other foods to be avoided are raw berries, nuts, honey and soft cheeses like Brie or feta. Germs can hide in those types of foods.
Get a flu shot. Every doctor or nurse I asked was adamant about a flu shot at the beginning of each flu season. They insisted everyone I lived with got flu shots as well.
I’ve been out of that bubble for 18 months now, and even though my immune system is improving, I still avoid as many germs as possible particularly during flu season. You won’t catch me at a salad bar, in a thick crowd or around anyone with a cough. Thankfully, the flu bugs have stayed away, and I have stayed away from the bubble!