Here are a few key pointers to help you keep fit and healthy.  Some of the suggestions might be considered to be excessive, we therefore recommend that each individual patient should assess their individual risks and adopt those that they think are appropriate to their individual circumstances.

General

• Take medications at regular intervals and always complete the course, unless advised otherwise by medical staff.  Keep a log so that you always know what medicines you have had and when your next dose is.

• Make a diary of your health, treatments and medical condition.

• Avoid visiting hospitals if at all possible.

• Cover cuts and abrasions as soon as possible until healed.

• Avoid people with coughs and colds.  Do not be embarrassed to ask people if they are free of any ailments.

• Avoid anyone who has shingles if you have not had chickenpox.

• Avoid touching your eyes and mouth.

• Wash your hands frequently for about 30 seconds with hot water.

• Ensure that you have the annual flu jab and that everyone in your regular family circle does so too.

• See your dentist regularly and adopt a good policy of dental hygiene.  Discuss with your Consultant whether you need to have antibiotic cover prior to dental work.

• Watch your weight and take regular exercise.

At Home

• Use protective gloves when carrying out unpleasant tasks around the home.

• Avoid cleaning-up cat, dog and bird faeces, or if you have to, use protective gloves.

• Wear protective gloves whilst gardening and avoid the garden compost bin/heap.

• Wear a disposable facemask when cutting trees, plants, grass and hedges in the garden (fungal spores).

• Change your outside shoes before entering your home.  Ask other family members/visitors to do the same.

• Use antibacterial wipes on door handles, light switches, sink taps, the toilet chain/handle, keyboards, mouse and phones.

• Have your own towel in the bathroom.

• Wash or change your pillow at regular intervals.

Children

• Avoid close contact with babies and young children and particularly those who have recently had live vaccinations.

• Avoid children for at least 2 to 3 weeks after they have had chickenpox if you have never had chickenpox.

Hygiene

• Wash your hands frequently using an antibacterial liquid soap.  Consider also using an alcohol gel as used in hospitals to keep your hands germ free (e.g. Cutan Alcohol Gel).

• Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes unnecessarily with your hands.

• Keep your toothbrush at least 6/8 feet away from your toilet and lower the lid prior to flushing.  If this is impracticable, consider the purchase of a small toothbrush cover.

• Regularly use an antiseptic toothbrush cleaner spray (e.g. Brushtox).

Out and About.

• Consider using an alcohol gel to keep your hands sterile.  Small ‘travel’ tubes are also available.

• Cleanse your hands after handling money.

• Avoid public places including shops, cinemas, etc. if your immune system is heavily compromised.

• Avoid touching door handles in public places, use a disposable tissue in your hand to help stop you picking up germs.

• Avoid swimming pools if your immune system is heavily compromised.

• Clean the handle of a supermarket shopping trolley before use and then clean your hands after use.

• Use your own pen, rather than the pharmacy, hotel or customer services desk pen.

• Clean the office telephone and computer keyboard with an alcohol gel.

• Exercise caution when outside after dusk. Diseases are frequently carried by biting/stinging animals and do what it takes to avoid bites.

Travelling

• Consider wearing a disposable facemask when travelling on the bus, train or plane.  Remember to change the mask every few hours to prevent the build-up of moisture/bacteria.

• Consider investing in your own personal air ioniser (e.g. Fresh Air Buddy).

• Consider the risk of swimming in a public/hotel pools.

• Drink bottled water whilst abroad.

The CLL Support Association has no commercial links with any manufacturers of the above products.  

We have been able to negotiate a discount for members of the CLL Support Association on the purchase of the Fresh Air Buddy.  Please contact us for further details.

Questions or problems regarding this web site should be directed to the CLL Support Association.
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