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
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