To avoid infection there are precautions that a person with CGD can take. It is advisable:
- Not to work with or around mulch, hay, wood chips, grass clippings, other garden waste or firewood that had dry rot or old fungi on it. This will help avoid inhalation of high levels of fungi.
- To stay out of barns, caves and other dusty or damp areas.
- Keep all recommended immunisations up to date.
- To be careful with personal hygiene: use mild moisturising soap, brush teeth twice daily with a standard commercial tooth paste; use mouthwash to reduce gum inflammation.
- Take antibiotics before and after dental work.
- Wash all cuts and scrapes thoroughly with soap and water; follow with antiseptic and observe for signs of infection. Any redness or soreness around the area, any pus or fever should be reported to your doctor immediately.
- Not to drink to excess or to smoke.
- Wear shoes of sandals outside.
- Choose playgrounds with a plain dirt or gravel surface - wood chippings harbour fungi.
- Wear a surgical mask when gardening to filter out fungi and mould.
- Ask someone else to re-pot the houseplants - mould often grows in the soil.
- If you have fresh cut flowers, add a teaspoon of bleach to the water to prevent mould and algae.
- Not to renovate old buildings or go inside a newly renovated building until it has been thoroughly cleaned.
- Avoid newly constructed buildings because of the dust generated, until it has been thoroughly cleaned.
- Ask someone else to rip up or replace carpets or tiles. If you are moving, clean the rooms of your new home thoroughly with disinfectant (bleach) before living in them. Do not sleep in the building until this has been done.
- A real Christmas tree is probably not a good idea. The drying out of pine needles and the water that sits in the base of the tree have the potential to grow fungi.
- Some pets are fine, but do not use wood shavings as bedding. Do make sure that pets are up to date on all recommended immunisations; keep water dishes and bedding clean.
- Some pets may carry salmonella. A number of reptiles are known to carry salmonella, including turtles and lizards (including iguanas).
- If you use a vapouriser, empty it daily and wash it with bleach to prevent mould.
- Fever, especially if accompanied by a cough, should always be reported immediately to your doctor.
- Don’t swim in rivers or lakes, even if they look clean - they are full of bacteria!
- Don’t forget your daily vitamins and vitamin C!
- Do take your daily medicines!
For more information, go to the Downloads page to access our booklet and information sheets.
IMPORTANT NOTE :
The information contained on this website is intended only as a guideline, not as a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your doctor if you or your child has any CGD symptoms or concerns.
© 2001-2005 The Chronic Granulomatous Disorder (CGD) Research Trust
Registered Charity No. 1003425 email:cgd@cgdrt.co.uk
The CGD Research Trust is a member of the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC), the Genetic Interest Group (GiG) and an associate member of the International Patient Organisation of Primary Immunodeficiencies (IPOPI)
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