Lowered immune system

[lfc4eva]

Hi,

I was just wondering if having crohns disease and pernicious anaemia (well i had been told I had PA and had injections for 17 yrs.... until the recent palava) would lower my immune system. I'm just asking as we are about to go back to work and had emails asking if we had any medical conditions that may need special considerations. I know it's not on list of high risk etc but just wondered about lowered immune system and if I might get a letter off doctor to say this.

Thanks in advance

Karen

[fbirder]

No.

Autoimmune diseases are caused by an overactive immune system.

This is what Petra from the PAS said -

There’s no indication that treated PA patients have a compromised immune systems. B12 however is essential to immune health so make sure you are getting enough B12.

[lfc4eva in reply to fbirder]

Thanks.... need to remember this when I have to fight for my injection again next month x

[Foggyme Administrator]

Hi lfc4eva

Following on from what fbirder says...

Whilst it’s true that there's no indication that treated PA patients have a compromised immune system, this is potentially not the case for other autoimmune conditions - and I note you have Crohn's disease (another autoimmune condition).

The level of potential vulnerability in terms of corona virus depends on what the actual condition is and, crucially, what (if any) drugs are being taken to manage the condition.

For instance, those with an underlying autoimmune condition (other than PA) who take 5mg of steroids or above for over six weeks, have had high dose steroids treatment in the last year, take any form of immunosuppressant drugs and/or biological treatments are classed as highly vulnerable and should be shielding.

If you take any of the above medications then you may be at an increased risk and this may impact on your return to work (or a requirement for special considerations).

Those with well controlled autoimmune conditions who do not take the above medications are thought to be at lower or no increased risk of catching it (though having a non-PA autoimmune condition can have an impact on the way the body handles Covid 19 if you do catch it)

The level of potential vulnerability in terms of underlying health conditions (here - autoimmune conditions other than PA) is constantly being re-assessed as more becomes known about the virus, so the risk categories appear to keep changing - and sometimes no two medics agree on the level of vulnerability for the same patient.

The best thing you can do is to talk to your GP and the consultant who treats you for your Crohn's disease - they will be able to advise if you are likely to be in a vulnerable or extremely vulnerably category and advise on a potential turn to work (or special considerations required).

It's also worth noting that some who should have received shielding letters have not received them, so if you haven't received a shielding letter, then still worth asking questions with your medics....especially as return to work looms. This is particularly relevant if your do take any medications - but perhaps not so much if your Crohn's is well-controlled and you don't take any medications 😉.

Even if you are not currently taking any medications and your Crohn's is well controlled, still worth taking advice as to whether special considerations are advisable in the work place (since CV looks as if it's going to be lurking for some time).

Very impressed that your workplace has asked the question. Good luck with the return to work.

Keep safe and well x

[lfc4eva in reply to Foggyme]

Thanks for the very informative post. I do not take any meds for crohns, I've kinda changed my diet to suit my stomach.. food items going on the no no list increases all the time..most things that are good for peeps I have to avoid as it brings on a flare up. I work in a school with 1400 kids so they are in touch with all staff making sure things are put in place for boys and staff

Thanks again x

[Davy28]

There has been no studies done on P.A and how having mis-shaped red blood cells are affected by covid-19 so anyone who says yes it's okay doesn't actually know and its upto each individual to evaluate their own risk , personally I would rather be cautious, sorry I couldn't be more helpful but its better to be straight up.