Immunocompromised is not a good thing. It's not my problem, thank goodness.

immunocompromised: having an impaired immune system.

What does it mean to be immunocompromised during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Being immunocompromised means that your immune system's defenses are low, affecting its ability to fight off illness and infection, including COVID-19. Certain conditions like autoimmune diseases (i.e., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and Type 1 diabetes), your age, and a history of smoking could increase the chance of infection. Medical treatments, such as cancer treatments and organ and bone marrow transplants, can also weaken or suppress the immune system.

If you're immunocompromised, it's especially important to protect yourself by wearing a face covering or mask, washing your hands, frequently disinfecting high-touch surface areas and practicing social distancing. Penn Medicine has also put many safety measures in place throughout our locations to reduce the risk of COVID-19 exposure to even our most vulnerable patients.