Explain compromised immune system to me.

Sahara6971 · September 2009

I admit this a question that I should know the answer to. So besides HIV, babies and the elderly, what can constitute a weakened/compromised immune system?

I ask this because my DS seems to get sick soooo often. He came down w/ pneumonia out of the blue this summer for example. So, would he be considered to have a compromised immune system? (He always gets over these illnesses so his system does fight them once they are here). I know, probably a dumb question but I would like to hear your responses. TIA

reynah · September 2009

Chemo patient is one example.

Jodi&Joe · September 2009

I have had pneumonia about 10 times in my life, bronchitis almost annually, tubes in my ears at age 6 do to umpteen ear infections up until that point. (Still get them)

But I don't think I would say I have a compromised immune system --- just a shittyone!

I think compromised is just what you listed AND also anyone who has a separate illness that could cause their immune system to already be "working" at a steady pace. For example, someone with Chrone's disease would probably be considered to have a compromised immune system.

emilykristene2006 · September 2009

I have an auto immune disorder. Right now it's just sjogren's but my Lupus screening is borderline so they are saying they consider my immune system compromised. So, anyone with an autoimmune disorder would be immune compromised.

Anyone on chemo or other harsh treatments.

DS is having issues with his temp rising when he gets too hot. The pedi considers him immune compromised.

GinandTonic · September 2009

After I had mono in high school, my immune system was "compromised" for years. I got everything.

Auto-immune diseases will compromise your immune system too. Like rheumatoid arthritis. Or lupus - my DCP has lupus and is around kids all the time. She's sick all winter.

DandR · September 2009

I think you'd know if you had compromised immune system...its the people who WILL get every.single.thing that they are exposed to. Its the people who cannot even handle vaccinations. Its the people who are ill with other things like muscular dystropy, or cystic fibrosis.

just getting sick often does not equal compromised immunity.

Lisa102304 · September 2009

Jodi&Joe:
I think compromised is just what you listed AND also anyone who has a separate illness that could cause their immune system to already be "working" at a steady pace. For example, someone with Chrone's disease would probably be considered to have a compromised immune system.

I would agree with this.

mlm1128 · September 2009

I have two people in my family that would be considered compromised immune systems. My mom has COPD. Her lungs are awful. She would probably get really sick from any flu. And my brother had a bone marrow transplant several years ago. He is still considered compromised.

JOEBunny · September 2009

People with certain chronic illnesses, like Dialasis patients, Lupus, MS, cancers, heart problems, emphasyma, ect. There are tons of things that cause compomised immune system, not usually the common cold. I would probably wait to give my child a vaccine if they were actively sick with something like pneumonia, but once they are over it, they would be "regular" again, even if they often get sick. DD was sick a lot the 1st year she could walk, she is better now. She will probably be sick again a lot when she starts regular kindergarden and gets out of her small school.

#6 · September 2009

DH has CML (strand of Leukemia) and though he is remission they say he is one of those "compromised immune system" people.

So when there are shortages he gets to get his before the "healthy immune system" people. (this happened 2 yrs ago with the seasonal flu vax) He got to skip to the front of the line. He said he got horrible stares and rude comments until he finally told people he has Leukemia and to F off.
(yeah, my dh is a peach)

Goose51504 · September 2009

That depends. Are his respiratory issues chronic? People with chronic respiratory and allergic diseases are often considered to have "compromised immune systems." Cancer patients receiving chemo have compromised immune systems, as to do transplant patients, diabetics, those with Chron's and Celiac disease, etc.

Basically, anyone with an autoimmune or immunodeficency disease/illness has a compromised immune system.

knmommy · September 2009

Having MS, my immune system is compromised.

mlm1128 · September 2009

Funny you should mention MS. My bff has MS, and her doctor told her she should absolutely not get that shot. He said she had too much going on in her body and they have no idea how it would all interact.

knmommy · September 2009

mlm1128:
Funny you should mention MS. My bff has MS, and her doctor told her she should absolutely not get that shot. He said she had too much going on in her body and they have no idea how it would all interact.

I am talking to my neurologist about it in 2 weeks at my next appointment. I am personally not comfortable getting it, considering my immune system attacks my nervous system. So it makes sense to not get it.

Sahara6971 · September 2009

Thanks everyone

citygirl22 · September 2009

celiac is another auto immune disease.

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