What are the implications if I get a cold and/or flu?
A. Probably the most bothersome problem will be increased drainage from the stoma area and probably more junk in the cannula. You may have to clean out your cannula more frequently. If you get a lot of drainage around your stoma, you may need to tape a gauze pad below your stoma and cannula. However, be sure to remove this and clean the area with at least saline solution at least once a day. At night, you may need to place a clean bath towel under your head and upper body area so that this drainage does not land on your bed and cause an infection later on.
