Does anyone know what counts as 'recurrent infections'?

[dawkin_S]

Good morning all, hope you are all well today! Bit grey here in Surrey but the birds are still singing.

I've just been looking at the kindly provided Leeds Hospital guidance chart on risk levels, and wondered if anyone could clarify for me what is meant by suffering from 'recurrent infections'? I have a cold/bug/sore throat/tight chest etc every other week (no exaggeration!) but does that count as an infection, or are we talking about something more serious here like bronchitis etc where you have an actual bacterial infection?

Thanks for your help, peeps!

[helixhelix]

Generally in medical speak recurrent infections = repeated courses of antibiotics. But right now I think you interpret it how you feel. So if this makes you feel fragile, then be so!

[dawkin_S in reply to helixhelix]

Ah, good way of looking at it, yes - thank you! I will stay safely ensconced in my bed for now

[RosieA in reply to dawkin_S]

Just to add to HH reply. It could also mean a repeating viral infection for which antibiotics would be inappropriate. I get a viral infection about once a month which means stopping MTX, taking antivirals - both of which impact on my immune system. So am counting that as a repeated infection as it implies that my immune system isn't strong enough to keep this sort of infection at bay. These are the individual circumstances that you have to figure in when thinking about your risk levels. Hope that helps.

[dawkin_S in reply to RosieA]

Got you, yes - that is helpful too. Thank you!