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Immunosuppressed vs. Immunocompromised

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Posted 2/24/2020 12:33 PM (GMT -6)
Hey there,

I'm curious if anyone knows the difference here. I am currently taking immunosuppressive medication (Inflectra & Imuran) but does that mean I have a compromised immune system? Would you say there are different degrees? I wonder if blood test results have thresholds that must be met in order to be deemed one way or another.

I personally feel it's important to understand as I don't want to stroll through this world thinking I am invincible (I know I'm not!) but in all seriousness, the media tends to throw that word around and I always wonder, is that me?

Thanks!
Posted 2/24/2020 2:07 PM (GMT -6)
The two words are very similar, perhaps a bit overlapping in definition. Perhaps, at most, Immunocompromised refers to a more strong suppression of the immune system than the other. I'd say the most specific definition of someone who is Immunocompromised might have an organ transplant, HIV, or other illnesses that involve strong suppression of the immune system.

Yes there are degrees of it.

The HIV/organ transplant patient is on a strong concoction of immunosuppression.

We are also immunosuppressed (humira/remicade/imuran/6mp), as well but to a lesser degree than the aforementioned. We are not any more likely to get an illness than the general population is, however, our weakened immune system is not as strong in response to cold/flu/infections.
Posted 2/24/2020 6:09 PM (GMT -6)
Thanks for this thoughtful reply. I spoke w/my doc on this today too and she said (very similar to you) I am technically immunocompromised because I take immunosuppressives but not to the degree of those who are on chemotherapy, for example. She said to wash my hands often and wear a mask around peeps who are sick. Things I do anyways smile

Thanks again!
Posted 2/24/2020 6:13 PM (GMT -6)
I have wondered this same question in the past. Nice to hear your doctor's response.
Posted 2/25/2020 3:59 AM (GMT -6)
It's more protective for the sick people to wear a mask than the other way around - the problem being that when you touch the mask to put it on and off and then the mask touches your face, you can infect yourself. I would not use a face mask voluntarily.
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