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Hello. My spleen was removed in 2012 following injury and bleeding. I was always told to be aware of bacteriological infection and I take low dose antibiotics as prophylaxis. What is the function of the spleen in fighting viruses, and does not having a spleen put me in a high risk category for complications arising from Covid-19 infection. Very little information available online!
1 like, 84 replies
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karenjk PatinetzeroJ
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Well , I have had my spleen removed, have blood cancer and over 70. Guess I'm in trouble. May never leave my house Again
😉😝
.
carol80650 karenjk
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Hopefully not - all things pass. Take care & stay safe xxx. All the best 👍
Unzisnr PatinetzeroJ
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I have just spoken to my doctor . I had my spleen removed 46 years ago after a road traffic accident. He has confirmed that I am in the at risk category from covid 19 I am also asthmatic (not cronic). he said I should have recieved a letter to inform me of this, but I did not receive it he is now going to send me the letter so that I can confirm to work that I am in the at risk category .So basically people without a spleen are high risk.
Wheelo Unzisnr
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Here's advice from doctor printed in Irish Times this week - more contradictory opinions
Question: “I had my spleen removed 40 years ago. My present age is 60 – does this put me at high risk if I contract coronavirus?”
Answer: Once the spleen is removed a person does have an increased susceptibility to infections, says Dr Muiris Houston.The spleen’s main function is to get rid of old and damaged blood cells. “After your spleen was removed, other organs, such as the liver, took over many of the spleen’s functions. This means you will still be able to cope with most infections. But there is a very small risk that a serious infection may develop quickly. This is called post-splenectomy sepsis (PSS) and can result in an overwhelming infection. You have been living with this risk for the last 40 years. There is no scientific evidence that exposure to coronavirus alters your existing risk of infection.”
Unzisnr Wheelo
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Thanks for for this I was ready to go to work on Monday but my doctor seemed quite positive about the situation. So I am not willing to risk it. It is only 3 month ago that I had any injections against pneumonia Hepatitis etc I didn't even know they existed and I don't recall ever having any problems of any kind . but no one knows what this terrible virus can do. So stay safe all my fellow spleenless warriors don't take any risks .
Wheelo Unzisnr
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i'm definitely being very cautious, I don't get sick often but when I do I struggle to shift it. One other vaccine I got is a Sepsis one - might be worth looking into.
Stay safe.
carol80650 Wheelo
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Never heard of a sepsis vaccine 🤔. Are you in the UK?
Stay safe now x
Unzisnr carol80650
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I am in the UK I was vaccinated against Sepsis, flu, pneumonia and Hepatitis. I was also given a complete course of antibiotics to have at hand in case I need them in an emergency. They recommend you have a booster every two years. I have
Unzisnr Wheelo
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Thank you for giving me the info much appreciated
Stay safe.
Wheelo carol80650
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I'm in Ireland. My doctor advised me of it about 4 years ago. It's given as part of the meningitis vaccine - it's septicaemia vaccine to be specific - search for MenACWY
carol80650 Wheelo
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Thanks Wheelo - didn't realise it was part of the Menacwy vaccine. Received that last year....... phew. Cheers & stay safe xx
deodatus PatinetzeroJ
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Now on the gov.uk website
We are advising those who are at increased risk of severe illness from coronavirus (COVID-19) to be particularly stringent in following social distancing measures.
aged 70 or older (regardless of medical conditions)
under 70 with an underlying health condition listed below (ie anyone instructed to get a flu jab as an adult each year on medical grounds):
chronic (long-term) respiratory diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema or bronchitis
chronic heart disease, such as heart failure
chronic kidney disease
chronic liver disease, such as hepatitis
chronic neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), a learning disability or cerebral palsy
diabetes
problems with your spleen – for example, sickle cell disease or if you have had your spleen removed
a weakened immune system as the result of conditions such as HIV and AIDS, or medicines such as steroid tablets or chemotherapy
being seriously overweight (a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above)
those who are pregnant
Note: there are some clinical conditions which put people at even higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. If you are in this category, next week the NHS in England will directly contact you with advice about the more stringent measures you should take in order to keep yourself and others safe. For now, you should rigorously follow the social distancing advice in full, outlined below.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people/guidance-on-social-distancing-for-everyone-in-the-uk-and-protecting-older-people-and-vulnerable-adults
Ginasou PatinetzeroJ
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This was a great question. I was diagnosed with Hereditary Spherocytosis at twenty-seven years old after my spleen was the size of a football and massive infections. My spleen ruptured which helped to solve my issues. Thirty years later, I am healthy and maintain with antibiotics on hand in case of fever and infection. I do get sick very quickly if exposed but I am careful. It was great to read if others with similar issues and have had a their spleen removed.
I am very concerned with the Covid-19 and self isolated immediately but my major concerns are the long term and how this will impact on the long term. Also, I am staying away from my grandson and daughter-in-law since she's pregnant to protect all of us. 😦 Thank you for this outlet to voice our similar concerns.
Be safe.
Unzisnr Ginasou
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Hi I have no spleen and was told by my Doctor to isolate I also got a letter from the government stating that I was at risk so I get 3 months off work with full pay The doctor was adamant that I should not go to work or anything like that. So far so good but definitely worrying .
ChocolateSilk Unzisnr
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Hi there! I'm without a spleen too. Could I ask if your doctor seemed worried about your situation? Was he adamant about staying home and staying out of the public?
Thanks, stay save.
Unzisnr ChocolateSilk
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To be very honest yes he did. My spleen was removed 46 years ago when I had a motorcycle accident I only phoned up for reassurance that I would be ok to work as I work in a prison. But he said absolutely not and then I got a letter from the government. saying that I was on the at risk register. and to social distance / self isolate . I hope this helps. I would suggest you contact you doctor. and please stay safe.
Ginasou ChocolateSilk
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hi there. yes he was adamant about me staying home and not being around anyone but my immediate family. I feel the same and very aware of my limitations when others are sick.
bkw44857 Unzisnr
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Unzisnr- your story reads so much like my own. I lost my spleen in a staircase accident goofing off. I too work directly with the public and worry about exposure and was recently reduced in hours (let me make this clear - I realize there are those without work so im please to have a job) Im waiting to see if my Dr will use the language for my out of the office - work at home note- that I learned from you all here on this group. At Risk describes us better than prefers to work at home. One Pharmacist that knew my story told me if anyone gives you a hard time tell them, "As soon as you give me back my spleen Id be happy to go into work and take my chances like everyone else"
Hang- in everyone- Thanks!
Unzisnr bkw44857
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Hi, It is better to be safe than sorry I was told to go home from work 5 weeks ago and not come back for 3 months As I work for our government and this was a government instruction it was easy for me because I get paid all my salary but as I said in a previous comment my doctor was adamant that I should self isolate. I would also add that it is a brave doctor who tells someone with our particular problem that they are not at risk. please stay safe and well. Also I hope you get the right answer from your doctor.
bkw44857 Unzisnr
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Yep Doc gave me another month to stay away from the office and work at home. Reduced hours during a global pandemic is better than no job and I'm filing for unemployment on the days I'm cut back so we're all doing what we can. Thanks for the support!
karenjk bkw44857
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Sounds like good news. Stay healthy. This too shall pass.