Your Guide to Preventing Infections With Primary Immunodeficiency

“In a way, you become almost like a sitting duck for certain types of infections,” says Keith Armitage, MD, an infectious diseases specialist at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center.

But there are steps you can take to lessen your risk of infection and improve your overall health. Read on to learn more.

Certain factors can increase your risk of infection. They’re the same for everyone, regardless of whether you have primary immunodeficiency or not, says Dr. Armitage. That includes:

• Age: Older adults and young children have an increased risk of severe infection.

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• Smoking: Smoking cigarettes can increase your risk of illness and viral infection.

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• Alcohol use: Excessive alcohol consumption can weaken your immune system over time.

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• Large gatherings: Being in large, public crowds can expose you to viruses and germs that can make you sick.

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• Health status: Living with primary immunodeficiency puts you at greater risk of infection. But there are also other health conditions that can increase the risk, including HIV/AIDS, certain types of cancer, and other issues that impact the immune system.

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• Certain medications: Drugs that suppress your immune system, such as chemotherapy or steroids, can increase your risk of infection.

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• Immunoglobulin replacement therapy, which uses antibodies to boost immune system function and offers protection against common bacteria that have a unique ability to cause infections in people who lack an antibody response, says Armitage
• Antibiotic medication, which can be used to treat bacterial infections and may also be given as a preventive measure to decrease the risk of future infections
• Antiviral medication, which can be given to treat viral infections and may also be used preventively to reduce the frequency and severity of infections
• Gene therapy, which may address cases of primary immunodeficiency that are linked to genetic mutations
• Stem cell transplant, which can help in the case of life-threatening complications

In addition to medication, healthy lifestyle habits can help you avoid infections. Try these tips:

• Avoid unnecessary exposure. Stay away from overly crowded public places, as well as anyone you know who may be sick. If you must be in a crowded space, consider wearing a mask.

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• Practice good hand hygiene. This means washing your hands regularly, especially after using the bathroom and before eating, to avoid spreading germs from your hands to your mouth. Don’t forget to wash the backs of your hands and wrists, and dry your hands thoroughly once you’re done.

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• Don’t touch your face. Keeping clean hands is only half of the equation. Avoid touching your face as much as possible, and don’t pick at wounds or squeeze pimples.

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• Eat a nutritious diet. Healthy eating can help support immune function. Focus on fruits and vegetables, fat-free or low-fat dairy, lean proteins, and whole grains. Limit salt, saturated fats, and added sugars.

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• Stay active. Regular exercise can not only promote overall health, but may also help boost immunity and improve outcomes if you develop an infection, such as the flu or pneumonia. Aim for about 30 minutes of moderate exercise, five days a week.

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• Maintain a healthy weight. Having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher is considered obese, which can have an impact on how well your immune system works. Obesity may also lower the effectiveness of certain vaccines that protect against illnesses. Engaging in healthy habits such as eating a nutritious diet and staying active can help keep your weight in check.

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• Prioritize sleep. Not getting enough sleep can affect immune system function. Most adults should aim for at least 7 hours each night.

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• Manage stress. Managing a chronic condition such as primary immunodeficiency can be stressful, and stress can negatively affect your immune system. Practicing stress-reducing activities regularly, such as meditation or yoga, can help keep it in check.

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• Quit smoking. Since smoking affects your body’s ability to fight infection, your best bet is to quit.

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• Limit alcohol. Because alcohol use can weaken your immune system and increase your risk of infection, it’s a good idea to limit your intake.

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• Travel safely. Before your trip, do some research on any health risks at your destination. Take precautions, such as using disposable antiseptic wipes to clean your seat on a train or plane and skipping ice in your beverages. The Immune Deficiency Foundation offers specific tips for staying healthy while traveling.
• Schedule regular checkups. By checking in frequently, you and your doctor can stay on top of the condition, as well as any preventive vaccines you may be eligible to get.

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“Educating yourself can help you feel more empowered,” says Armitage, “along with partnering with infectious disease and immunology specialists, taking steps to mitigate your risk of infection, and treating infections when they do occur.”

If you ever feel like the stress of managing your health is too much or begin completely isolating yourself to avoid infection, consider asking your doctor for a referral to a mental health specialist who can help you cope.

• Primary immunodeficiency increases your risk of infection, due to a weakened immune system. Other factors, such as age, smoking, and overall health status, can further affect your infection risk.
• Treatments such as antibiotics, antivirals, immunoglobulin therapy, and even gene therapy or stem cell transplants can help prevent serious infections in people who have primary immunodeficiency.
• Following healthy lifestyle habits — good hand hygiene, balanced nutrition, regular exercise, stress management — can help support your immune system and reduce your risk of getting sick.