What infections are common with immunosuppressants?

Question

Hello doctor,

My sister has psoriasis and has been feeling sick with a bad cough and fever for a few weeks. She is 48 and has been using biological medications for her skin condition, but I am worried they might be weakening her immune system. Could this be making her more likely to get pneumococcal disease? Are there any warnings we should be aware of regarding these types of infections? She is terrified of stopping her psoriasis treatment because it is the only thing that works for her, but she also does not want to get sicker. Do you think vaccines would help in her case?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to iCliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

It sounds like your sister is going through a challenging time with her psoriasis treatment and illness. Biological medications, often used to manage psoriasis, work by suppressing parts of the immune system to reduce inflammation. While effective for controlling the condition, they can also increase susceptibility to infections, including pneumococcal disease, which can cause pneumonia and other severe respiratory infections. Given her symptoms, it is important to monitor her health closely and consult a doctor if her condition worsens.

Vaccination can help protect her from pneumococcal infections, as it is recommended for people with weakened immune systems, especially those on immunosuppressive treatments like biologics. She should discuss this with her healthcare provider to determine the best timing for vaccination, considering her current illness. In the meantime, she should practice good hygiene, avoid contact with sick individuals, and seek medical advice if her symptoms persist or worsen.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.