How bad are our immune systems? : Hi all, I keep... - MPN Voice

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How bad are our immune systems?

Timjonze profile image
11 Replies

Hi all,

I keep reading that Coronavirus affects people with compromised immune systems and thinking “umm ... that’s me!” Has anyone spoken to doctors about whether we are at higher risk from the illness? I presume so because we get asked to take flu jabs etc. I feel like I do get ill quite a lot but maybe not freakishly so and all my WBC counts are normal. So hard to say what it means.

Tim

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Timjonze profile image
Timjonze
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11 Replies
Paul123456 profile image
Paul123456

Tim

Hope you are well.

Perversely we may be less likely to be infected since so paranoid! Every time I go out somewhere public I sanitise my hands. Tonight I’m on the Underground during rush hour and seriously considering whether to wear a mask, regardless of looking like a plonker! I was up at Guys last week and did not see one single mask the the whole time.

Anyway, masks not very effective, washing hands much more critical. It’s amazing how often you subconsciously touch your eyes, nose and mouth.

Best Paul

Timjonze profile image
Timjonze in reply toPaul123456

Yes that’s true about infections if we are careful (although I’m not! Will try and start getting better). I’m more worried about how it might affect us if we became infected

jillydabrat profile image
jillydabrat in reply toPaul123456

Hi Paul

To be honest, if I were using the underground I would definitely use a mask and wouldn’t care if I looked like a plonker, rather that than fall ill.

I shrugged the news of this virus off but hearing this morning that a vaccine could be a year away, I am taking it a bit more seriously. Even if they do develop a vaccine would we be able to have it.

I just hope we are all safe xx

Timjonze profile image
Timjonze in reply tojillydabrat

I think it’s debatable how well the masks work - regular handwashing and hand sanitiser seems to be the key (and trying not to touch your face!)

Anag profile image
Anag in reply toPaul123456

Hi Paul.

I had a horrifically weak immune system and was wasting away until my ET diagnosis. I went on the Auto Immune Paleo diet (2,5 years now). My Immune system has never been so strong. The 2 years before my diagnosis, I had 5 colds that I could only cure with antibiotics after 2-3 weeks, leaving my body even weaker. Well. I’ve had 2 colds since I went on the diet (also fixed my leaky gut) and I was able to get rid of them in 36 hours with mega doses of natural, buffered vit C.

Some years ago, the swine flu almost killed me. I could hardly breath and my body had to be reminded to breath. I don’t know if I’d survive the corona, but I know my chances are by far higher. This virus is not a joke as some governments, who are trying to avoid panic are telling us. The doctor who identified it died from it last week at 34! No. It’s no just an illness for old and weak. Masks are a good thing for anyone who’s weak during any flu season. I’ve worked in Japan and China. Wearing a mask is absolutely normal. I was opera singing there and whoever had a cold wore one. It is also not allowed to blow your nose in public. Sniffling up is normal. The rest of us stayed healthy.

It does seem that the virus is pretty much under control in Europe and we have nothing to worry about. Stay healthy. Anag

Ebot profile image
Ebot

I’ve never really got a clear answer to this one. The general message seems to be that our immune systems are compromised but I’m not sure to what extent even for those of us on Hydroxy. (Certainly it’s not ‘cancer patient undergoing treatment’ kind of immunocompromised.) It would be good to have a clearer picture. I’m going to ask again next time I’m up at Guy’s.

Timjonze profile image
Timjonze in reply toEbot

Yes me too at my next appointment. I assume we are all different so there’s no set answer but be good to have a rough idea.

Ebot profile image
Ebot in reply toTimjonze

Either way Coronavirus not a good idea. 🤣

Sweetlucy profile image
Sweetlucy in reply toEbot

Watched a documentary on TV last night. Just what the nation needs. All about the 1918 flu epidemic and the death of millions around the globe By the way hand sanitizers were completely sold out at all major chemists. I use it especially on public transport.

Timjonze profile image
Timjonze in reply toSweetlucy

Yeah I noticed them sold out in a lot of chemists yesterday! Does make you start to panic a little!

champ30 profile image
champ30

Probably like most on this site,I have a blood test monthly.If my neutrophils go too low i.e 0.8 I have to wait until they're at 1 to continue my chemo drug(lenalidamide).I have MF.As I also have a chest condition too(Bronchiectas),I try to be on the ball with handwashing and have this winter begun to use a nasal spray called Dual Defense,which I use amongst crowded areas.I have been pretty stringent with it and hopefully it has helped stave off infection.

I've completely vered off about corona virus,but for me (apart from wearing a mask)I can do no more than already doing.

Regards Lynn.

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