What Does 'Immunocompromised' Mean?
As news about COVID-19 spreads, we’re hearing more and more about how LGBTQ folks stand to be impacted at a higher rate than the general population. Among the reasons given are 1) higher rates of tobacco use among members of our community, 2) anti-LGBTQ discrimination within healthcare systems, and 3) elevated rates of HIV, which may cause immunocompromisation. While the first two points are rather self-explanatory, the third begs the question, “What does it mean to be immunocompromised?” In honor of LGBTQ Health Week, we’re here to break that down for you.
You may have heard the saying “There are some disabilities you can’t see.” In our daily life, that might be one of the reasons that if someone asks for your seat on the subway, you give it to them: you don’t know why standing may cause them hardship. You recognize that there may be something going on that you can’t perceive. Compromised immune systems - that is, cases where one’s immune defenses are not functioning optimally or at all - are often wholly invisible. With that, a misplaced cough or sneeze, particularly during a public health emergency such as this, has the potential to be far more serious than you think.
Often when we think about immunocompromisation in LGBTQ circles, it’s an easy jump to HIV/AIDS, and that’s certainly no surprise given its impact on our community. HIV is just one example of a secondary (or acquired) immunodeficiency. These can be caused by viruses like HIV, but can also be temporary results from chemotherapy or radiation, and can also be caused by environmental toxins, aging, or malnutrition. Primary immunodeficiencies, affecting more than 24 million Americans, are most often caused by diseases or autoimmune disorders including celiac disease, diabetes type 1, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, and systemic lupus. Any of these immunodeficiencies, whether acquired or primary, create a situation where an individual’s immune system has a harder time fighting off new viruses.
This is why crises such as the novel coronavirus pandemic are so serious for immunocompromised individuals, and why it’s up to all of us to protect one another. Back in the 80s, during the height of the AIDS crisis, LGBTQ folks learned that community health is a collective responsibility, and we thank you for doing your part today to protect those at an elevated risk. Be kind to each other, stay home if you are able, and help out where you can. Let’s all do our part to keep our community safe.