An immunodeficiency is present when an immune system cannot fight an infection adequately. Primary immunodeficiency is an inherited trait. However, it is also possible to acquire secondary immunodeficiency through certain diseases and medical treatments. Ask your health professional if you need more advice. This article is about COVID-19 precautions with immunodeficiency already an established fact.
Taking COVID-19 Precautions With a Known Immunodeficiency
1… Having an immunodeficiency does not necessarily increase the probability of COVID-19 infection. However, the complications that follow are more likely to be more severe. Therefore, COVID-19 precautions with immunodeficiency a known factor may be advisable. That’s especially if suffering from HIV, or after certain cancer treatments, UV radiation, or organ transplants.
2… Having greater vulnerability calls for more proactive measures. And Northwestern Medicine recommends ‘extreme physical distancing and hand hygiene’. However, at the same time it recommends eating well, and getting plenty of sleep to reduce stress.
3… Persons with immunodeficiency and COVID-19 symptoms such as a cough, sore throat, fever, and shortness of breath should call their healthcare adviser promptly. The same applies it they have been in close contact with an infected person. Thereafter they should shelter, monitor themselves, and stay in touch with their doctor.
The Immune Deficiency Foundation is a great resource for more information and we link to it at the end of this post. We became interested in COVID-19 precautions with immunodeficiency complications after we researched reinfections. It seems the deficiency may also make these repeat events more likely.
We could also develop secondary immunodeficiency from malnutrition while we are young, or as we age. However, all of these factors existed before the COVID-19 pandemic. Do you think we will do anything about them after we have a vaccine for the virus? Answers on a virtual post card please.
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