What does it mean to be immunocompromised in the times of COVID-19?

WHO, CDC, and all the other health agencies have identified the groups of people who are most "at-risk" of suffering from the severe form of Covid-19 disease. Several factors influence the vulnerability of people to Covid-19, including age, gender, pre-existing conditions, and the condition of their immune system. While age, gender, and pre-existing conditions can be measured to some extent, hence people can protect themselves; for immunocompromised individuals, the situation is a little trickier.

There is a lot of misinformation regarding who immunocompromised people are, although the term is used extensively.

Understanding the “immunocompromised” status

When someone is immunocompromised, it means that the person's immune system is weaker than the rest of the population, either due to a disease or due to medication. A weak immune system is unable to protect the body from some infections, and from the severe side effects of infection if contracted.

People can become immunocompromised primarily in two ways:

• Immunosuppression-In fighting a disease or a disorder, if immunosuppressors are given to ensure that your immune system does not act against you, it is called immunosuppression. For example, in cancer patients, this kind of immunocompromised status is quite common. 

• Immunodeficiency-Some people are born with immunodeficiencies or develop immunodeficiencies in later stages of life.

Just like other infections, the immune system plays a major role in fighting Covid-19; and no external factor can boost the immune system. If you are a cancer patient, i.e., among the immunosuppressed crowd, you can ask your cancer doctor, and if he/she is as experienced and as up-to-date about the current situation like Dr. Manish Singhal, one of the best cancer doctors in Delhi, he/she will tell you the same. However, although you cannot externally boost your immunity, you can still stay safer from the pandemic than the others by following the recommendations of the health organizations.

Are cancer patients, i.e. a big part of the immunosuppressed crowd, more at risk of Covid-19? Why?

According to some of the best cancer doctors around the world, cancer patients might be at a higher risk of Covid-19. Before you panic or jump into conclusions, cancer itself does NOT make you vulnerable to either getting infected by or experiencing severe symptoms of Covid-19. There has been no proof of cancer patients, both past and present, being more susceptible to this disease.

Are we sounding contradictory? Hear us out. 

• Solid-organ cancers & blood cancers can make you immunodeficient. If an organ is removed or is malfunctioning due to cancer, or in case of blood cancer, if the whole system is malfunctioning, you can imagine how your immune system must be suffering a little. 

• Chemotherapy and radiation, common cancer treatments, can weaken the immune system during the treatment and sometimes even in cancer patients in remission or cancer survivors. 

• Other infections due to cancer treatment can further weaken an already weak immune system.

• Co-morbidities like diabetes, heart disease, kidney failure, liver cirrhosis, liver failure, can all weaken an already weak immune system in cancer patients. 

• Sometimes, cancer patients lack appetite, which gives rise to malnutrition. This can also weaken an already weak immune system in cancer patients. 

How to function as an immunocompromised person in the Covid-19 pandemic?

• Keep taking your regular medications to keep yourself as healthy as possible. 

• Eat healthy, keep exercising.

• Wash your hands.

• Do not touch your face.

• Maintain social distancing at all times.

• Do not leave your house unless absolutely necessary.

• Keep your hospital/doctor’s appointments unless instructed otherwise.

• Have an emergency supply of medicines.

• Stock-up for a period of 14 days at a time in case you need to self-isolate.

• Avoid people who are ill even if they are your family members.

• Do not share personal items with others.

The ending address

Covid-19 has already uprooted many lives, destroyed families, livelihoods, and infected almost 6 million people worldwide, killing over 346K. It is decidedly a little more dangerous for the immunocompromised people. So, be alert, be safe, don't panic, and remember you're not alone. 

If you are an immunocompromised cancer patient, consult your oncologist, if you need a second opinion or some more information and recommendations, consult with an experienced, renowned cancer doctor like Dr. Manish Singhal, a revered cancer specialist in Delhi NCR.

ALSO READ: Possible side effects of Breast cancer Treatment: How they affect a cancer patient's body

Myths and facts about breast cancer treatment and diagnosis during Covid-19

We are still in the midst of the Covid-19 crisis, the aftermath will probably be a lot more devastating or hopeful; we'll know when we get there. However, people are already suffering from the consequences of the virus-induced pandemic health-wise, especially breast cancer patients, actually, ALL cancer patients. It is normal to feel lost. There are a lot of questions, a lot of myths, and a sea of confusion in the community. For in-depth answers, you can always consult a reputed cancer specialist like Dr. Manish Singhal, considered to be the best oncologist in Delhi NCR. But, we are here to bust some myths and answer some questions to make your life a little bit easier.

Let’s bust some myths

Myth 1

Breast cancer patients are at a higher risk of getting covid-19

Reality

No. There is no proof of breast cancer patients' increased vulnerability to coronavirus infection. However, as a precaution, breast cancer patients should consult a cancer specialist to get some valuable recommendations during the pandemic because although they are not vulnerable to get infected any more than non-cancer individuals, some of these patients might have compromised immune system which can lead to them getting severe symptoms should they get infected with the novel coronavirus.

Myth 2

People in remission from breast cancer are vulnerable to COVID-19

Reality

No. Again, there is no proof that people in remission or cancer survivors are at a higher risk of getting COVID-19. Everything depends on the immune system. If your immune system was ever affected by cancer treatment and has since recovered, then you are at no higher risk than anybody else.

Myth 3

If breast cancer patients get Covid-19, they’ll die

Reality

Not at all. As a cancer patient in treatment or in remission, or even as a cancer survivor, if you get COVID-19, there is a high chance that you will RECOVER. For immunocompromised breast cancer patients, yes, the COVID-19 symptoms might become severe; the stressor here is at MIGHT. It really depends on your all-around health.

Myth 4

Breast cancer patients should avoid exercising during the pandemic

Reality

No. Exercising is good at all times. In fact, exercising can enhance your immunity. So, keep on exercising through the pandemic. But, do it in your house as much as possible. If you need to exercise outside, maintain social distancing at all times, and follow the other recommended steps.

Myth 5

Breast cancer patients should avoid surgery at any cost during the pandemic

Reality

No. You cannot make such a decision all by yourself. You need to consult your cancer specialist, or if you need a second opinion or a fresh perspective during these difficult times, you can consult an experienced cancer specialist who is keeping up with the need of the hour, like Dr. Manish Singhal, offering the best breast cancer treatment in Delhi.

Myth 6

Breast cancer patients cannot use homemade masks during the COVID-19 pandemic

Reality

of course, they can. Cloth masks made at home are just as good as any other expensive mask, even for breast cancer patients.

Myth 7

Breast cancer patients should maintain social distancing for a longer time

Reality

Okay, the confusion here is primarily between social distancing and social isolation. Everybody should be social distancing now, and we don't know till when. But, that does not mean you should isolate yourself. Be in contact with your family and friends through digital media and calls.

Myth 8

Spraying alcohol on the skin is good enough to keep Covid-19 away

Reality

Do not spray alcohol directly onto your skin; that will do more harm than good. Yes, use hand sanitizers to keep your hands germ free when you cannot wash them with soap and water, but, that's it.

Myth 9

Breast cancer patients should move to a less populated rural area to decrease the chances of infection

Reality

No. Moving away from the city might mean moving away from all the high-end medical facilities for you. That is not at all feasible for cancer patients. Keep close to the medical facilities, keep close to your cancer specialist, and stay safe.

Some FAQS

Since we have already covered some of the myths and realities of breast cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic, we'll now delve into some of the common questions.

1. Should cancer patients postpone their treatment due to this pandemic?

If your treatment can be postponed, then you can just to be safe. But, you HAVE to work with your cancer specialist to devise a treatment plan that works for you. If required, consult the best cancer doctor in town, for Delhi residents, it is Dr. Manish Singhal, a renowned cancer specialist in Delhi.

2. Should you decrease your number of visits to the clinic or hospital during the pandemic?

Again, do not take this decision by yourself. You can talk about oral treatment options; delayed surgeries if possible, take help from telemedicine when possible, and use every resource there is to talk to your doctor about devising a safe plan for you.

3. For doctors who are providing in-home treatment options, is it safe?

Yes, under your cancer specialist's observation, it is safe to opt for in-home treatments. However, very few doctors are offering these services. For example, Dr. Manish Singhal, one of the best breast cancer doctor in Delhi NCR.

Few parting words

There is a lot of fear and confusion among cancer patients during these times due to the mixed information around them. It is best to get your information from the source, i.e., your cancer specialist, instead of illegitimate sources all around.

Also Read: ESMO guidelines for treating lung cancer in COVID-19 era