At what point are lowered wbc counts a concern

[gvibes]

I have PV and after pegasys for 3 months my wbc is now at 2.7 thou/uL (normal range 4.0 to 11.0). I am vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine. I would just like to pose the question and hear opinions about how people are dealing (would deal) with lower white cell counts and covid risk. Do you continue to stay in mini lockdown? Do you minimize contact with others? Are there other things I should be looking at to assess my immunity? We were going to meet some friends this weekend and having second thoughts.

thanks....

[beetle]

I too have a low white cell count and have had for many years. It’s about the same as yours and sometimes lower. I did shield during Covid but I am cautiously out and about now. I won’t be going into enclosed spaces without a mask any time soon and my children take Covid tests before we meet up. Before Covid I was also cautious about infection and avoided contact with sick people wherever possible. I have carried hand sanitizer with me for years for situations where hand washing is difficult and will continue to do soI refuse to allow MF to completely dominate my life but I’m cautious about taking unnecessary risks

I hope you got to see your friends. Best wishes. Jan

[gvibes in reply to beetle]

Thanks beetle. We uninvited which I think was the right thing to do. Weather was bad anyway so would have been stuck inside- more exposure. But something feels sad about whole thing. Oh well. So I will be careful like you are. It’s exciting with things opening up again but...Outside feels fine. It’s those enclosed spaces that you worry about. Are you following your doctor recommendations? Is there objective criteria? Or just numbers are low so be careful? Are any of those subcategories of wbc important? I will query my doctors next visit.

Thanks so much and take care

Steven

[beetle in reply to gvibes]

Hi Steven. It’s my neutrophils that I keep a particular eye on as low numbers leave you open to bacterial infections that do often follow viral infections. I have to go to the hospital if I feel very unwell or temperature goes above 38 degrees C. Good idea to have a chat with your Haematogist about precautions you should possibly be taking. I also carry a card to present at the hospital to give priority triage in A&E. Good luck. Jan