Immune system shot

[MistressWeatherwax1]

Hi,

My immune system isn't 100% due to medication I take for psoriasis which lowers my immune systems response to infections.

I am picking up more and more throat infections at work (a nursery, so you can imagine). The general colds I can get on with but this is now the third time since November I've had tonsillitis (confirmed by the doctor) even though I had them removed when I was a child. Doctor said it affects the tonsil bed where they were removed from. It floors me. I got antibiotics the first time but they caused a massive psoriasis flare and didn't do much for the tonsillitis.

Does anyone have any suggestions for what I can do or take to help avoid these bugs in the first place?

And any suggestions on how to treat it when I do inevitably catch the next one?

It's the dry cough I cannot cope with. I used to take pholcodine for a dry cough but it's been withdrawn in the UK along with my usual day/night nurse.

These are great for coughs, they do a medicine too but not tried that. They taste disgusting but sucked slowly they really do work. Zinc is supposed to be good for immunity, however kids are very germy. Other than constant mask wearing and hand sanitiser, the only other option would be a new type of job.
https://www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/284736000?_gl=1qdiyc8_upMQ.._gaODE4MjQ5MzQ5LjE3MTE5NjEyMjU._ga_33B19D36CY*MTcxMTk2MTIyNS4xLjAuMTcxMTk2MTIyNS4wLjAuMA..

not sure if these would be beneficial for immunity given that is due to a suppressed immune system due to medication but might be worth a try.
https://www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/nature-s-way-alive-immune-support-soft-jell-60004181?skuid=004181&utm_campaign=shopping&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI15LZgdGghQMVSZxQBh0lvAWVEAQYASABEgIhr_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Does anyone have any suggestions for what I can do or take to help avoid these bugs in the first place?

It's not cool, but if I had a compromised immune system and I worked in a nursery I would wear a high-grade mask as much as I possibly could.

Also, you want to be diligent about the usual things that maintain your immune system - take a multi-vitamin, get enough rest and exercise, etc.

Does anyone have any suggestions for what I can do or take to help avoid these bugs in the first place?

I'm sure you're aware of this, but it's also important to maintain gut health, i.e. intestinal flora, to support your immune system. Probiotics, fermented foods, etc.

Thank everyone. Masks aren't an option, hinders communication with the children but I'll try some of the other suggestions.

Just FYI - There are transparent masks to address this concern.

I get horrible colds too and work in a similar environment. Now at the very first sign of a cold e.g. slightly sore throat/runny nose etc I gargle with TCP. Seems to prevent the infection from getting worse.

I'm the same - on medication for arthritis which has totally floored my immune system. I try to prioritise gut health and a high dose of vitamin D. It doesn't always work brilliantly (currently back on steroids and a long course of antibiotics) but I'm getting better at not picking up everything going although in my case it tends to be infections rather than viruses.

Not a popular sentiment unfortunately but the only thing that will protect you is a respirator mask. Look up Flomask.

Insist on hepa filters and fresh air at work. Bring in your own if they refuse to abide.

My family and I have not been ill since 2019 because we mask.

Honey, vit c and turmeric are always praised for immunity. Don't underestimate sleep and stress.

I was advised to do this by the oncology nursing team after chemo wiped out my immune system.
https://www.nutritionscotland.org/30-plants-a-week-the-new-5-a-day/

Three years later I still haven't caught covid and haven't had a bad cold in years.

It's worth a try, and isn't actually difficult once you put a bit of thought in.