HU, ET and Coronavirus.

[Klys]

Now with coronvirus to avoid, does taking HU make us more likely to be high risk?

[Applesnpears]

Klys

The previous posting by Maz entitled " Advice on Coronavirus for people with cancer" explains that there is an increased risk of serious illness if you catch the virus. It gives very useful advice and information for everyone living with cancer, including MPNs.

Quantifying the risk to an individual is not possible as it depends on a host of factors including your age, general state of health and the medications you are taking.

I do not think there is any evidence that having an MPN makes you any more, or less, likely to catch the virus.

Taking appropriate precautions will help minimise the risk to you as an individual.

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice]

Hi Klys, I have also put this on our website

mpnvoice.org.uk/about-us/ne...

[hunter5582]

The short answer is that HU can diminish your immune response so there is some degree of increased risk. The long answer is that it is more complex than that. many other factors such as age, overall health, other medications etc. affect your individual level of risk. Each person responds differently to HU, so no one can really say to what degree your risk is increased. You might get a rough idea by looking at your leukocyte levels (white blood cells), but this is just a rough estimate.

Suggest following the other advice you received. Taking due precautions and avoiding risk is really the best solution. You can also boost your immune system through diet, exercise, and some supplements (though not all believe in the latter).

Be well my friend!