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Do Immunocompromised people spread viruses just as easy?
Autoimmune Diseases | Last Active: May 21 11:13pm | Replies (18)Comment receiving replies
I am immunosuppressed (and get COVID vaccines every 6 months; the RSV vax, etc) and was told by my Rheumatologist that persons who are immune compromised carry the virus longer than others. This means the wait-time to not be infectious is typically longer, so that the immunosuppressed person can shed all of the virus and not be infectious to others. I have had COVID twice (Paxlovid is a miracle worker for me!); RSV turned into pneumonia and landed me in the hospital. I am 69, and very cautious. When home I watch other for symptoms and slip on a mask (or move to a diffferent location if possible), and keep my hands washed regularly and carry antiseptic wipes everywhere. When traveling, I wear the N95 mask in the airport and on the plane because of the number of people & enclosed spaces…plus on cruise tour buses and am vigilant of others’ coughing etc... I don’t want to end up in the hospital, so take as many precautions as possible, while still mostly living my life as I did pre-pandemic. Your friend could still be shedding the virus; if it were me I would steer clear for another week.
Replies to "I am immunosuppressed (and get COVID vaccines every 6 months; the RSV vax, etc) and was..."
Thank you! Finally, the answer: Yes: immune-compromised people carry a virus longer than the non-immune-compromised, thus I need to wait longer before I interact with them. My romantic partner always seems to be fighting off something, and since our close relationship, I have had many more bad colds than usual. I now wonder whether they are ever virus-free for long. I am older and value our friendship, but I need to protect myself. Although we both lose, maybe romance is a health risk at this junction.
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The problem in my case is my friend will not take precautions, like an N95 mask. And they go regularly to settings where many people are crowded together, talking, shouting and singing like nightclubs. So I will never know when they may be infectious; rather they will become sick on a regular basis. So unfortunately I have decided to not have this kind friendship. I hate being sick.
The same with anyone who drinks alcohol, any amount. I would have thought this absurd and prudish when I was younger but my experience has shown 100% that alcohol leads to so many problems, typically major, and I do not want to take the risk. If I have friends who do not drink the risk is zero.