At risk: Braving the coronavirus with a compromised immune system – Universe.byu.edu

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SANDY With the numbers of coronavirus increasing, its understandable why people are getting a little nervous. But people like Heidi Petersen have more reason to worry than most because she has multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disease where the bodys immune system attacks its own tissues. What do people like her do in a pandemic like this?

They do their best.

Heidi was diagnosed with MS in July 2015. As her body started shutting down, she welcomed an opportunity to get better: a procedure in Mexico called HSCT that would reboot her immune system. After months of saving and kind donations, Heidi had the procedure done in August 2019.

While exciting, the process wasnt easy. She had her stem cells removed, underwent chemotherapy, then had her stem cells put back. The process wiped out all her previous immunizations and she was left with the immune system of a newborn baby. Because of the new immune system, she had to be completely isolated in a sterilized house for six months.

After six months, Heidi had two blissful weeks to go out and see her family and eat at all the restaurants shed been dreaming about.

Enter coronavirus.

Now, Heidis back to isolation because she is a high-risk case of severe illness if she were to contract coronavirus.

One of the frustrating things for me is when I see people talk so nonchalantly about [the coronavirus], said Heidi. They say, Oh well, it doesnt matter, Im healthy. Well it does matter! Because youre putting a lot of people at risk by not following the rules.

Heidi explained that those at high-risk arent concerned about stocking up on toilet paper; theyre worried about getting their medications. Theyre worried to even step outside their doors!

But luckily, there are ways people can be more sensitive to the needs of others. Heidi suggested that it starts with being a good neighbor and checking up on those who are immunocompromised or elderly. Offer to drop off groceries at their door or simply give them a phone call to ask if theyre okay.

The biggest consideration, said Heidi, is to stay away from large gatherings, wash your hands and dont stockpile on things you dont need.

Heidis plea is that everyone simply think about how their actions are affecting others. She believes that if everyone comes together against this disease, it will stop spreading and help so many people who are at risk.

Just help each other out, she said, and well all make it through this.

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At risk: Braving the coronavirus with a compromised immune system - Universe.byu.edu