What Are the Symptoms of a Compromised Immune System?

The immune system protects the body from infection by recognizing and fighting harmful organisms. When immune system function is adequate, people will respond rapidly to infectious agents and avoid prolonged illness. However, an individual with a compromised immune system may experience illness from even harmless organisms. For example, a person with a compromised immune system may experience the following symptoms:

Signs of a weak immune system

You may experience several physical and emotional symptoms if you have a weak immune system. For example, you may become infected and suffer from frequent colds. You may also develop food sensitivities or breakouts or have excessive fatigue. Read on to find out what signs to look for and what to do if you suspect your immune system is not working properly.

The digestive tract makes up 70% of your immune system. It contains good bacteria that help fight infections. When the good bacteria die off, your immune system is weakened, and your body is more vulnerable to infections. Chronic diarrhea can be a symptom of a weak immune system. A parasite or disease can also cause it.

Your immune system is affected by many things, including the lifestyle you lead. For example, smoking, drinking alcohol, being overweight, and not washing your hands properly can all lead to a weakened immune system.

Signs of a severe COVID-19 infection

COVID-19 is a viral infection that affects the immune system. The disease generally affects the older population, but a small subset of young and middle-aged people develop severe COVID-19 disease. This condition is characterized by massive lung inflammatory responses and requires urgent management and intensive care. Several studies have been conducted to understand the causes and symptoms of this hyperinflammatory disease.

While fever is the most common symptom, it is not the most severe. For example, July 2020 found that only 11.6 percent of COVID-19 patients experienced fever. However, the disease can still have long-lasting effects even if a person has a mild infection. According to the study, about one-third of patients experienced symptoms for up to 9 months.

The disease duration depends on the patient's age and the number of underlying conditions. In patients with severe disease, it can take two to three months to recover. Common persistent symptoms include fatigue, cough, and dyspnea. Those with severe disease may also experience cognitive deficits.

Prevention of a compromised immune system

People with a weakened immune system are at greater risk of contracting illnesses such as pneumonia and the common cold. Because they cannot fight off infections, they are more likely to become sick quickly and have more serious complications from these illnesses. Although a weakened immune system makes people more susceptible to infections, there are steps that individuals can take to protect themselves from these illnesses.

Certain congenital disorders and diseases can weaken the immune system, and certain medicines and treatments can also lead to a weakened immune system. Age and lifestyle factors are also important in cutting the immune system. This is why it is important to get adequate sleep and eat a balanced diet.

Children who have a compromised immune system are especially vulnerable to infections. Their immune systems take about three to four days to develop antibodies that fight off germs. A compromised immune system can also lead to digestive problems since 70 percent of the immune system is located in the digestive tract. Therefore, it is vital to maintain good gut bacteria because they can help the immune system and fight off infections.