According to a global estimate, nearly 700 million people suffer from an autoimmune condition, in stages ranging from mild and moderate to severe. Living with a weakened immune system means a higher chance of illnesses and infections as your immune system’s defenses are low, affecting its ability to fight off infections and diseases.
For people with autoimmune diseases, the global pandemic has posed a dilemma. The immune system of people with diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis (RA) malfunctions and attacks cells in their own bodies. This is why they are prescribed immunosuppressants. Taking these factors into consideration, it has raised the question if people with underlying conditions and immune deficiencies are more susceptible to COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have also made claims that weakened immune systems are more at risk of contracting the virus. It stated that:
- Half of COVID-19 patients with diabetes needed hospitalization.
- 78 per cent of patients in intensive care had at least one underlying health problem.
- 71 per cent of those needing hospitalization for COVID-19 (but not intensive care) had at least one underlying health issue.
However, in terms of the risk of infection, no data at this point shows that people with autoimmune diseases are at higher risk of becoming infected with COVID-19. There is lots of information still coming in about what the risks are to patients with various types of immune suppression. While there is no clear connection found yet, sometimes medication can suppress the immune system more than it should, increasing the risk of developing any type of infection. That might make you think, given the current situation of the pandemic, it would be best to give up the immunosuppressant treatment. But it’s the opposite- the risk of relapse of the autoimmune disease would be worse than the risk of infection. So, it is recommended that patients with autoimmune conditions should not stop taking their regular medication.
Being in an active stage of your autoimmune disease may increase your risk of contracting COVID-19, so your medication may be an important tool in decreasing your risk.
Compromised Immune Sytems and COVID-19
There are a variety of reasons someone might have a compromised immune system. One of the reasons an individual is immunocompromised is due to certain drugs that are used to treat autoimmunity and chronic inflammatory conditions. There are also diseases like HIV and inborn immunodeficiencies (common variable immunodeficiency, severe combined immunodeficiency) that can severely compromise the immune system.
Another factor is old age. Old age makes the immune system comparatively weak, but this varies a lot from person to person, so there is not a specific age when risk suddenly shoots up. But we are aware that older people are more vulnerable to infections in general and COVID-19 specifically. Older people have more chances of developing a compromised immune system due to certain chronic conditions that affect the immune system, or because of certain medications, they are taking.
From research and different studies so far, it is indicated that a very low percentage of COVID-19 patients have an autoimmune disease (around 1%). So, it might be early to draw any definite conclusions.
The risk of catching COVID-19 has been observed to be depended more on whether people are social distancing, using masks properly and washing surfaces and hands, rather than if or not they have an autoimmune disorder.
Taking Precautions
If you are Immunocompromised, your first line of defense should be doing everything you can to avoid exposure and infection. This includes:
- Social distancing and staying 6 feet apart from people in public areas
- Washing your hands thoroughly and frequently
- Continuing with your medications and make any alternations only after consulting with your doctor
- Asking those who live with you to follow the same precautions
- Eating a healthy diet that is low in carbohydrates, fat, and sugar, and high in lean protein, fruits, and vegetables
- Getting enough sleep
- Managing stress and anxiety with exercise, meditation, or yoga
