Janet is a 69 year old proud housewife, mother of two children who has three wonderful grandchildren. She smoked 2 packs of cigarettes most of her adult life. A CAT scan, or computed tomography scan of the lungs demonstrated a growth involving the right side of the lung. A biopsy of the lesion was performed, and the pathological report indicated that the lesion was cancerous.
Janet was presented with different treatment options, and opted for the doctors recommendations of radiation and chemotherapy. She was informed that such treatment would weaken her immune system (compromise it), and make her more susceptible to viral and bacterial infections.
About five months after the initial cancer diagnosis, in late October, she had a common cold that made her feel achy, weak and tired. The nasal stuffiness, postnasal discharge quickly developed into pneumonia with cough, fever, difficult breathing and necessitating emergency admission into the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU). She was placed on life support (see glossary). Fortunately, Janet responded to intravenous fluids, and I. V. antibiotics. She also gained a greater respect for people with weakened immune systems, and the common cold.
Common Respiratory Viruses:
- Common Cold Viruses (Rhinovirus, Adenovirus)
- Influenza
- COVID-19
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Weakened Immune Systems
The immune system is your body’s Department of Defense that protects you from infections and foreign invaders. It’s a coordinated, complex system that has cells that identify, kill and remove dangerous predators such as viruses and bacteria. If there’s a break in the chain of command due to the failure of cells or organs to protect you (a weakened immune system), the individual suffers the consequences by becoming more susceptible to infections, diseases and cancers.
Factors That Can Weaken A Person’s Immune System
Medications: Immunosuppressive drugs used to treat cancer, prevent organ rejection or to treat autoimmune diseases compromise the immune system.
Chronic Conditions such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, kidney and lung diseases can weaken a person’s immune system.
Genetics: Some people are born with weakened immune systems (primary immunodeficiencies). IgA deficiency is considered the most prevalent genetic, antibody, B-cell deficiency.
Other factors to be considered include poor nutrition, sedentary lifestyle, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. The very young and elderly have weaker immune systems.
Preventive Measures — How Patients Fight Back!
Vaccinations ought to be “on the front burner.” While vaccinations are not 100% protective, they have shown to reduce the incidence of hospitalizations and lower mortality rates compared to people who are not vaccinated. Be up-to-date with vaccinations including COVID-19, and Flu.
Masks: Wear masks in crowded, high-risk settings. Also, encourage people who visit or work for you at home to wear a mask when appropriate.
Good Hygiene: Frequent handwashing with soap and water is strongly recommended. Use tissues or the elbow to cover coughs or sneezes. Avoiding face touching to reduce the chances of transferring viruses from contaminated surfaces to yourself.
Isolation: Stay home when you’re sick and avoid people who are sick. Isolate yourself from family members if you tested positive for COVID-19.
Cleaning: Use disinfectants to clean counter tops, doorknobs and light switches to minimize your contact with respiratory viruses that may be on surfaces.
Ventilation: Improve good ventilation by opening windows to reduce the concentration of airborne viral particles.
Lifestyle: Boost your immunity by following a healthy diet, regular exercise, remaining hydrated, managing stress and getting a good night’s sleep.
COVID Testing: Regular testing for COVID-19, particularly in patients who are immunocompromised, is critical since early detection of the virus affords the physician the opportunity to initiate antiviral treatment to get the best outcome..
Periodic Doctor Visits to manage other medical issues you may have.
Individuals with weakened immune systems have a difficult time fighting off respiratory viruses. A common cold can lead to complications necessitating admission of the patient to the hospital’s ICU unit, and at times, the need for life support. Early detection and treatment with antiviral medications has helped reduce the severity and duration of illness and the need for hospital admission in immunocompromised patients.
Glossary
Life Support is most often used as a short-term measure allowing the patient to recover from a critical illness. It replaces or supports a body function that is failing. There are different forms of life support; examples include a mechanical ventilator (breathing) machine and a dialysis machine that temporarily takes over the functions of the kidney.
References
- CDC; About Respiratory Illnesses; July 19, 2024
- I. W. Johnson, MD, PhD, et al; Association of Reduced Hospitalizations and Mortality Rates Among COVID-19-Vaccinated Patients With Heart Failure; Card Fail, Sept. 2022
- CDC; Respiratory Viruses and People with Weakened Immune Systems; March 1, 2024
- Wisconsin Dept. of Health Services; Respiratory Viruses
- American Lung Association; Protecting Yourself This Respiratory Virus Season; September 22, 2023
This article is intended solely as a learning experience. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options.