Humira germa-phobe

I have been on one biologic or another since early 2006. I do not get infections any more than I used to. Actually, I am sick LESS often than I used to be.

If I cut myself, it does not get infected any more than when I was not on biologics. I have had surgery, heart ablation, and my regular scopes without any issues. I work in the yard, get dirt under my nails, and bit by bugs. I shake hands with people, travel, camp, swim, and boat. I use public transit. I do all these things without wrapping myself in plastic or wearing gloves.

But, I get my flu shot religiously every year, and make sure everyone in my household does too. I do not get up close and personal with people I know have a contagious illness. I wash my hands often and try not to touch my face when I am out touching contaminated surfaces (basically most of the world). If I would remember to bring it, I probably would use hand sanitizers when out and about. But, I have gotten out of that habit.

Once you have been on it a few months, the anxiety should wear off a bit. Try not to let this make you nuts, because it can. I am not sure that homeless people would be any more of a threat than anything else, unless it is a group of homeless people with active TB. It is mostly a common sense thing, not as if your immune system becomes totally wiped out.

Good luck!

Jan

Thanks Jan... Just what I wanted to hear..

I was like Jan. I was on Remicade for a year and that year I was LESS sick than I was when I wasn't on it. And I had two kids bringing home every creeping crud under the sun from school. Wash your hand frequently and you're good to go.

One of the biggest risk factors for infectious disease is being chronically ill. If the medication corrects that problem for you, it wouldn't be at all surprising if you were less prone to catching something, in spite of the immune system perturbation from the medication.

I also got sick less when I was on Remicade, even though my symptoms weren't controlled. Remember a lot of the symptoms of minor illness are the immune response itself, which can be disproportionate to the bug.

I did get serious about good hygiene habits during that time but I think anyone should... Wash your hands before meals or eating anything, wash your hands as soon as you get home, don't touch your face or your hair.

I'm now a germaphobe. So far this year I have had...

Standard flu type illness
URI
Stomach bug
Another cold with Bronchitis
Lingering Bronchitis irritated by allergies
And a UTI

I wouldn't even drink out of the water fountain at the gym the other day. I'm super paranoid about grabbing bathroom doors with paper towels/ shirt sleeve washing my hand after leaving the gym.

I would say that you should be cautious for awhile (wash hands, Purel, change clothes/wash hands/shower when you get home) and see how it goes. You shouldn't give up something you like to do just because it might be bad. But if you start getting sick alot, then worry about it.