Another good reason for precautions

Recently, one of my former patients stopped by for a visit. He and his wife loved visiting the Palouse. This was their first visit to the area and despite being experienced international travelers, they were enchanted by the autumn beauty of the Palouse. We wanted to go out for lunch, however, we could not find any outdoor dining in the cooler weather, so we went to one of my favorite restaurants, and placed an order to go. We took our order to the car and safely ate our food in the parking lot before heading out to enjoy more of the Palouse.

My former patient is a heart transplant recipient and, by necessity, is immunocompromised. Immunocompromised means that his immune system is suppressed. It does not work as it should. He must take drugs that weaken his immune system. This prevents his body from rejecting his transplanted heart but leaves him at higher risk of getting infections and many cancers.

My former patient fought a long battle to stay alive to receive a heart transplant. He surely would have died if he had not received a heart from a donor 11 years ago. He is very responsible for taking care of his transplanted heart and the rest of his body. He is cautious about being exposed to the virus that causes COVID. Although he has had three COVID vaccinations, he is aware that he is at higher risk of being infected and dying from COVID compared to people who are not immunocompromised.

COVID vaccinations are not 100% effective for preventing infection and serious illness or death, but they are close with effectiveness ranging from about 80-95% for the three vaccines available in the US. This effectiveness is lowered to about 50% in persons whose immune systems are compromised, like my former patient, like the late Gen. Colin Powell, like people being treated for breast and other cancers. They are all at higher risk of getting infected, becoming very ill and, dying from COVID, even when fully vaccinated.

My former patient greatly values the gift that has allowed him to live a full life for the past 11 years. He wants to honor and respect his donor by taking great care of his gift of life. He wants to live another 11 or more healthy, full years.

We can all do our part to help him and other immunocompromised persons to live with the lowest risk possible of becoming infected with the virus that causes COVID. Please get your COVID vaccinations and respect the gifts of life that organ donors have given to others and protect the immunocompromised.