The talk of the novel coronavirus has increased almost daily. This COVID-19 strain of the virus is a respiratory infection that does not yet have a cure. While it can affect anyone and everyone, it is more likely to impact those with a compromised immune system. This specifically means the elderly and those who may already be on medication or suffer from other medical issues.
Someone who has been a regular drug user may have also damaged their immune system. In some instances, the immune system can repair itself, but still, if you are at greater risk, you will want to take the necessary precautions to ensure you and everyone else around you stay safe. To learn more about drug addiction treatment, contact the Right Step today.
Those Most At Risk
If you have a compromised immune system you likely fall under the category of “most at risk.” You need to take all the necessary precautions to protect yourself. If you believe you may have been exposed to the coronavirus or that you are feeling symptoms it is important to contact your medical professional. They will tell you what to do. The exact specifics will depend on where you live, so it is critical to listen to the medical professionals in your area.
In terms of those who are most at risk it includes:
- Individuals 50 years of age or older
- Lung disease sufferers
- Individuals with heart and blood vessel disease
- Diabetic individuals
- If you have a compromised immune system
Do You Have A Compromised Immune System?
There are several reasons why you might have a compromised immune system. For instance, if you have cancer you have a compromised immune system. Going through the different stages of chemotherapy and radiation treatment will leave your body susceptible to possible risks, which is why you need to take all the necessary precautions to protect yourself and to stay inside.
Individuals who are HIV positive or have AIDS also have a compromised immune system. This is also true for anyone who has recently received an organ transplant or who takes a high dosage of steroids or biologics, which are typically used for an autoimmune condition.
Reduced Immune System From Drugs And Alcohol
Prolonged usage of drugs and/or alcohol can reduce the strength of your immune system. In most cases, however, you can rebuild it by detoxing and living a healthy, clean, drug-free lifestyle.
Your immune system tracks down bacteria and viruses within the body and neutralizes the germs. It is also able to identify what is harmful bacteria within your body and what is good bacteria (such as the good bacteria found within your intestines).
Drugs and alcohol will not directly corrupt your immune system. Instead, your immune system becomes compromised from the results of drugs and alcohol. For example, your body will become dehydrated after too much alcohol, or you might become mentally and physically fatigued due to the lack of sleep and food. These will combine and reduce the strength of your immune system.
What Happens With A Compromised Immune System?
When you have an immune system firing on all cylinders it will be able to identify pathogens and destroy them on sight. The more frequent your body comes in contact with the same pathogen the easier it becomes to destroy it. However, when the body interacts with something new, such as COVID-19, it will not immediately know how to destroy the infection. This is why the infection takes longer to rid from the body. It will also weaken the immune system as it stresses itself in an attempt to fight it off.
Contact Your Medical Professional
If you have a compromised immune system due to an addiction, it is critical to get treatment as soon as possible. To learn more about your treatment options, contact the Right Step by calling 17135283709 today.
