American Ginseng Extract in Preventing Respiratory Infection and in Reducing Antibiotic Use in Patients With CLL

RATIONALE: American ginseng extract may prevent or reduce acute respiratory illness in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. It is not yet known whether American ginseng extract is more effective than a placebo in preventing respiratory infections. PURPOSE: This randomized trial is studying the side effects of American ginseng extract and to see how well it works compared with a placebo in preventing respiratory infection and in reducing antibiotic use in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.