Dear DR. ROACH: Will we all, with all the masks, hand washing, disinfecting and social distance for COVID-19, have weak immune systems if life becomes normal? – JDH
ANSWER: No. The immune system remembers lifelong pathogens, and constant exposure to germs is not necessary for the immune system to function properly.
The “hygiene hypothesis” suggests that excessive cleanliness is responsible for dysregulation of the immune system, leading to conditions such as asthma and autoimmune diseases. While it may be true that exposure to ‘friendly’ bacteria is beneficial in reducing the risk of asthma and other conditions, exposure to dangerous bacteria increases the risk of infection and is likely to have no benefit. Exposure to some viruses, such as rhinovirus, increases the risk of asthma.
I do wonder what “normal” will look like after the pandemic is under control. Judging by the experience in other countries with viral pandemics, I expect more people to wear masks to prevent illness during flu season. I do not think it will adversely affect the immune system, but it will be a societal change.
Dear DR. ROACH: I am 75 years old and was planning to get the COVID vaccine if I could. I have been taking anastrozole for almost five years now and have told some people that I should not get the vaccine. Your thoughts? – WNS
ANSWER: Beware of what some people say to you. The people who matter are your regular doctor and your oncologist.
Many people with autoimmune diseases or severe immune system problems, such as cancer and its treatment, are concerned about the vaccination of COVID-19. Some vaccines are made with live but weakened strains. It can be dangerous if used by people with a very weakened immune system. However, the vaccines available at the time of this writing are mRNA vaccines made by Pfizer and Moderna, and the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. It is not risky as there are no live vaccines. They may not work as well, especially not immediately after some types of chemotherapy. Although I can tell from what you told me that the vaccine should be OK, you should consult your doctors for confirmation.
Dear DR. ROACH: Conflicting advice spreads whether the use of NSAIDs after vaccination will reduce immunity. Is it safe for those who want the anti-inflammatory action of NSAIDs for muscle and joint pain? If not, how long after the second hold should one wait before taking it again? – RJ
ANSWER: Many people are concerned that taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen will reduce the effectiveness of the vaccine. Previous studies have shown that pre-treatment with this medicine can reduce the antibodies caused by the vaccine.
It is not clear that the vaccine will be significantly less effective. However, to be safe, do not take Tylenol or an anti-inflammatory drug BEFORE vaccination. If symptoms develop after vaccination, it is a good idea to take this medicine to relieve your symptoms. It is safe to restart your anti-inflammatory drugs after the vaccination.
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Dr. Roach regrets not being able to answer individual letters, but will include them in the column where possible. Readers can email questions to [email protected] or email 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803.
(c) 2021 North America Syndicate Inc.