Essential Thrombocythemia (ET) and viruses

@claire39, @loribmt
Thank you both for you input. I definitely will need to be more careful. Life is different now.
I’m wondering about the ET…I know the bone marrow is making too many platelets, but is it also producing too few white cells and or macrophages? Is this part of the illness along with the overproduction of platelets? Does anyone know the answer to this? I haven’t seen this anywhere.
And yes, I’ve had two covid tests this past week and they’re both negative, thank God. I’m grateful for this forum, knowing I’m not alone. Thank you.

Hi @arti4 When something causes a disruption in the normal function of our bone marrow, such as the JAK2 gene mutation, it compromises our immune system and our ability to fight infections. That means you may be more susceptible to illnesses and recovery times might be longer. I can tell you’re feeling pretty discouraged right now because it seems like life isn’t the same anymore. You’ve had a change in your health with this newly diagnosed blood disorder. But you can live a healthy life with a few little tweaks…

The key will be to avoid being exposed to potential sources of infection whether it’s flu, covid, colds or even food borne illness. Extra caution when out in public settings by wearing a mask, making sure you wash your hands, try not to touch your face and eyes, use hand sanitizer. Actually the best thing Covid has done is to help people realize how quickly germs/viruses can spread and how important it is to safeguard ourselves. One way to do that is wearing a mask. It’s not just for Covid.

As @claire39 mentioned in her reply to you that she wears a face mask now and no long has her annual bout with pneumonia. Masks do work to protect us. I’m also immunocompromised after a bone marrow transplant. I wear a mask anytime I’m in a public setting inside, such as a store. (My husband does too so that he stays healthy and that protects me). I’ve worn a mask since 2 years before Covid. It’s just a way of life now.
I also wear a mask if I’m in someone’s home or if anyone comes to our home. Masking up is routine in our household. I don’t think you have to be that cautious, but wearing a mask when you’re out shopping or at church or family gatherings is a little extra step to protecting your health.

I hope this cold you have is starting to ease up a bit. Did you test for Covid, just in case??

I have had ET for four years and doing well, at this time. Before covid I had pneumonia every year, in December. Since I started wearing a face mask I have not had it. I believe, in my case, that a mask has protected me, not only from covid but all the other germs in the air that we deal with. I take 500mg per day, also 81mg of aspirin. I have experienced urinary track infections but not often but constantly battling fatigue and itchiness. Good luck with your treatment