IS YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM VULNERABLE?
Certain health conditions can mean your immune system is less able to fight off a viral infection. If you have been diagnosed with any of the following conditions, take precautions to protect yourself, and talk with your doctor about your treatments.
OBESITY
Adipose tissue (fat) is now recognised as an active endocrine and immune organ that can directly inhibit metabolic immune function, according to emerging research. A 2018 study of influenza patients over three flu seasons found that obese adults took 42 per cent longer to fight off the virus than non-obese people.
DIABETES
High blood sugar (hyperglycaemia) is an inflammatory condition that tends to inhibit the immune response and raise your risk of infection. People who have uncontrolled high blood sugar are particularly vulnerable.
CANCER
Cancer and its various treatments can reduce white blood cell counts and make patients more open to infection, while making it harder to fight infection. If you are a cancer patient or a cancer survivor, you should discuss your situation with a doctor who is familiar with your medical history.
ASTHMA, COPD AND OTHER RESPIRATORY DISEASES
Viruses love to attack the lungs, so people who have existing lung conditions are at risk of more severe symptoms when they get sick. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients are particularly vulnerable to lung infections, which can further damage the already compromised air sacs.
HEART DISEASE
Hypertension and underlying cardiac issues raise infection risk for older adults. Based on early data, as many as 40 per cent of COVID-19 patients who required hospitalisation had existing cardiovascular disease.
AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES
Not only can an infection trigger a flare-up of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis or psoriasis, the treatment of those conditions often involves immunosuppressive drugs that can raise your infection risk. Also, autoimmune conditions can cause interstitial lung disease, which is a dangerous condition that can cause scarring of the lungs.