Helpful tips for people with compromised immune during COVID-19

During the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, immunocompromised patients were identified to be at a higher risk of experiencing severe illness and even death.

People who are immunocompromised or have a weakened immune system have a reduced ability to fight infections. This means they can get infected easily or sick more often. They can also experience severe complications and have a more difficult time recovering from infections or disease.

Patients who are considered immunocompromised include the following:

  • People with underlying health conditions (e.g. HIV, diabetes, heart disease, etc.)
  • Patients with autoimmune diseases (e.g. lupus and multiple sclerosis)
  • People who are taking certain medications or treatments (e.g. cancer treatments)
  • Humans with genetic immune deficiencies
  • People diagnosed with alcohol addiction
  • Persons who are over the age of 65
  • People suffering from chronic stress and lack of sleep

If you are an immunocompromised individual, there are steps you can take to protect yourself from the threat of COVID-19.

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1. Maintain healthy habits

Keeping yourself healthy should be a primary life goal, with or without COVID. However, COVID-19 has infected almost 70 million people worldwide, so maintaining your health now is even more important.

To keep your body and mind strong and to fortify your immune system, consider the following tips:

  • Aim to have at least seven hours of sleep every night.
  • Maintain a balanced diet that includes plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.
  • Exercise or engage in physical activity regularly.
  • Learn to manage stress through meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, etc.
  • Make time for conversations with family and friends over the phone or virtually.
  • Listen to relaxing, soothing music.
  • Indulge your passion or hobbies.

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2. Reduce your risk of exposure to COVID-19

Medical authorities in Australia, including NSW Health, have consistently rolled out guidelines designed to reduce the transmission of the novel coronavirus. These precautions include:

  • Avoiding crowds or large public gatherings
  • Avoiding physical greetings, such as hugging, kissing, shaking hands, etc.
  • Practising proper hand hygiene
  • Cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces
  • Discouraging people from going out unless absolutely necessary
  • Keeping a distance of 1.5 metres away from each other while in public
  • Asking people with symptoms to get themselves tested immediately
  • Encouraging people to use face masks in places where physical distancing is not possible

Whichever state or jurisdiction you are located, it would be in your best interest to adhere to current COVID safety protocols.

3. Protect yourself when you go out

In cases where you absolutely must go out, such as running essential errands or going to doctor’s appointments, always follow COVID safety guidelines in effect in your area.

Since you are immunocompromised, it would be best to avoid people who are not wearing face masks. Whenever possible, ask people you need to interact with to wear face masks. Also, if you have a Mediband custom bracelet or medical ID, continue to wear it. Since it’s designed to alert others of your medical condition, it would be helpful to have it on you at all times.

Additionally, keep these items on hand every time you need to venture out: one or two clean face masks, tissue and hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol. Also, if soap and water are available in the place or facility you are visiting, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.

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Some extra TLC can go a long way

As an immunocompromised person, you need to exercise extra precautions to keep yourself healthy and protected from COVID-19. Follow the tips shared here to reduce your risk of contracting the disease.