2 replies to this topic

[CMLSurvivor]

Does anyone know what would happen if someone with CML caught swin flu?  A couple people at my work have kids who have gotten swin flu and it makes me extremely nervous. I have Complete Molecular Response but I think my immune system is still not that of a normal person. When the vaccine becomes available should I jump in line first to recieve it?

[everonward]

Hi there

I was ill a couple of weeks ago with flu like symptoms - so was my son. I spoke to the doctor about him and was told it was a suspected case and to treat as normal flu, but call back if it lasted more than a week. I didn't take anything except some neurofen for a headache.We are both now fit and well. I would say don't panic but if you show symptoms contact your doctor for advice.

ATB

[Trey]

Folks with CML have a functional immune system, although it may be suppressed at some specific times.  There are a few times when someone must be careful, such as at diagnosis when the person can be in a weakened condition, just after starting Gleevec when WBC goes low due to rapidly falling blood counts, and if the neutrophil counts fall very low at any time (usually defined as neutrophils below 1.0).  But even during these periods the immune system can usually respond effectively when needed.  The body has two categories of white blood cells (WBCs) that provide redundant levels of protection against viruses, bacteria, and other invaders.  CML only affects the granulocyte side of the WBCs (neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils), not the lymphocyte side (T-Cells, B-Cells, NK-Cells).  So the lymphocytes will still provide protection.  And the granulocytes can also still respond well except as noted above.  Anyone who has been on drug therapy for a few months and has relatively normal WBC (or even slightly low) should have  a nearly normal immune system.  And someone who has responded well to drug therapy, and has achieved CCR, and especially 3 log reduction or PCRU, should be equivalent to someone without CML with regard to fighting other diseases (this assumes the person has no other serious health issues such as autoimmune disease or other complicating factors).  Of course, swine flu can be hazardous to people without CML, so it should be taken seriously by all, and a flu shot would be advisable for most people.  As with any treatment, we should still check with our Onc.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Granulocyte

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lymphocyte