Latest news with #immunesystem
News.com.au
3 days ago
- Health
- News.com.au
Huge blood test myth has finally been busted
Welcome to Ask Doctor Zac, a weekly column from This week, Dr Zac Turner explores whether or not blood tests are back for you. QUESTION: Dear Dr Zac, I saw a doctor on Instagram saying that getting blood tests can make you more sick, because the more blood you have drawn, it's taking away your immune system? Is that true or just social media pseudoscience? – Amanda, 27, Gold Coast ANSWER: If I had a dollar for every time an 'Instagram doctor' spread weird health advice, I'd be rich enough to launch my own line of overpriced supplements and film it shirtless in a rainforest. Let's get straight to it: The claim that drawing blood somehow removes your immune system is complete nonsense. According to this so-called 'Medical Medium' (who, by the way, says his info comes from a spirit – yes, really), taking blood for tests will make you sicker because it weakens your immune system. That's not just wrong, it's dangerously misleading. Here's why you shouldn't panic if your GP orders a blood test – and why listening to ghost-guided wellness influencers could do more harm than a few millilitres of blood ever could. Blood tests don't drain your immune system – just your TikTok feed. Let's bust the myth first: Your immune system doesn't live in your blood like it's floating around in a tiny lifeboat. Yes, some immune cells are in your bloodstream, but they're constantly being produced by your bone marrow and lymphatic system. Drawing a small amount of blood doesn't cripple your defences, it gives your doctor valuable clues to help strengthen them. Standard blood tests typically take about 5–10ml of blood. That's around two teaspoons. The average adult has five litres of blood. You've probably lost more than squeezing a pimple or stubbing your toe in the dark. Even if you get extensive testing done, say 50ml worth, it's still less than 2 per cent of your total blood volume. Your body replenishes that quickly, usually within 24–48 hours. Unless you're a lizard person (or actively haemorrhaging), you'll be just fine. But what about people who feel worse after blood tests? This is where things get a bit nuanced. Some people do feel faint, dizzy or tired after having blood drawn. But that's more to do with how the blood was taken (and whether you had breakfast) than the blood itself. Feeling queasy is often linked to: Vasovagal response (a fancy way of saying your body freaks out at needles), Low blood sugar, or anxiety. These are temporary reactions, not signs your immune system is crumbling. Where did this bizarre idea come from? The quote in question comes from Anthony William, aka the 'Medical Medium'. He claims to hear health advice from a spirit (who apparently skipped immunology class). He's not a licensed doctor, has no formal medical training, and has previously claimed celery juice can cure everything from anxiety to shingles. He's also built a multimillion-dollar wellness empire promoting unproven health advice, often to people who are desperate and vulnerable. That, in my opinion, is the real sickness. Sure, he throws in the odd disclaimer like 'work with your doctor,' but that's like a car salesman saying 'test the brakes' while handing you a steering wheel held on with duct tape. Here's what you actually should do around blood tests If you're sick or dealing with chronic illness, your doctor might want to order blood work to understand what's going on. That's a good thing. The faster you get the right diagnosis, the faster you can get the right treatment. Some basic tips for a smooth blood test experience: • Drink plenty of water beforehand (it makes veins easier to find) • Don't skip meals unless told to fast • If you get dizzy, let the phlebotomist know, they can take extra care • Rest afterwards if needed, and have a snack That's it. No sage burning or spirit communication required. The only thing scary about blood tests is the fact that some influencers think they're dangerous. Removing 5ml of blood won't wreck your immune system – but believing Instagram pseudoscience just might. Blood tests are safe, essential, and can literally save your life. And if someone tells you otherwise while claiming to get their health info from ghosts, maybe it's time to unfollow. You've got this. Dr Zac Dr Zac Turner is a medical practitioner specialising in preventative health and wellness. He has four health/medical degrees – Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery at the University of Sydney, Bachelor of Nursing at Central Queensland University, and Bachelor of Biomedical Science at the University of the Sunshine Coast. He is a registrar for the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, and is completing a PhD in Biomedical Engineering (UNSW). Dr Zac is the medical director for his own holistic wellness medical clinics throughout Australia, Concierge Doctors.
Health Line
10-07-2025
- Health
- Health Line
The Most Dangerous Complications of HIV and AIDS
Key takeaways HIV weakens the immune system, making individuals susceptible to opportunistic infections (OIs), which can be life-threatening if the number of CD4 cells drops below 200 cells per cubic millimeter. Common OIs associated with HIV include candidiasis, pneumonia, and herpes, as well as certain cancers such as Kaposi's sarcoma and lymphoma can also occur. Following a prescribed drug regimen, getting vaccinated, practicing safe sex, and adopting healthy habits can prevent OIs, significantly improving the life expectancy and quality of life for people living with HIV. Living with HIV can result in a weakened immune system. This makes the body more susceptible to a host of illnesses. Over time, HIV attacks the body's CD4 cells. These cells play a critical role in maintaining a healthy immune system. People living with HIV can proactively reduce the likelihood of developing common, life-threatening illnesses by taking their prescribed daily medications and practicing healthy living habits. What are HIV-related opportunistic infections? Opportunistic infections (OIs) capitalize on weakened immune systems. In general, complications of HIV don't occur if the body's CD4 count is higher than 500 cells per cubic millimeter. Most life-threatening complications occur when the CD4 count drops below 200 cells per cubic millimeter. OI illnesses may have little to no significant impact on a person with a healthy immune system. However, they can cause devastating effects for people living with HIV. OIs typically present when the CD4 count drops below 200 cells per cubic millimeter. They are considered stage 3 HIV (or AIDS-defining) conditions. In general, a person living with HIV will not present with OIs if their CD4 count is above 500 cells per cubic millimeter. The following 20 OIs have been defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as stage 3 HIV (or AIDS-defining) illnesses. Infections common with HIV Candidiasis. This is a common fungal infection that's also known as thrush. It can be treated with antifungal medications after a simple visual examination. Coccidioidomycosis. This common fungal infection can lead to pneumonia if left untreated. Cryptococcosis. This fungal infection often enters through the lungs. It can quickly spread to the brain, often leading to cryptococcal meningitis. Left untreated, this fungal infection is often fatal. Cryptosporidiosis. This diarrheal disease often becomes chronic. It's characterized by severe diarrhea and abdominal cramping. Cytomegalovirus. This common global virus affects most adults during their lifetime. It often presents with eye or gastrointestinal infections. HIV-related encephalopathy. This is often referred to as HIV-related dementia. It can be defined as a degenerative brain condition that affects people with CD4 counts of less than 100. Herpes simplex (chronic) and herpes zoster. Herpes simplex produces red, painful sores that appear on the mouth or genital area. Herpes zoster, or shingles, presents with painful blisters on skin surfaces. While there is no cure for either, medications are available to alleviate some symptoms. Histoplasmosis. This environmental fungal infection is commonly treated with antibiotics. Isosporiasis. This is a parasitic fungus. It develops when people drink or come into contact with contaminated food and water sources. It's currently treated with antiparasitic drugs. Mycobacterium avium complex. This is a type of bacterial infection. It often presents in people with severely compromised immune systems (CD4 cell counts of less than 50). If these bacteria enter the bloodstream, it often results in death. Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP). This OI is currently the leading cause of death in people living with HIV. Careful monitoring and antibiotic therapies are currently used to treat the person following diagnosis. Chronic pneumonia. Pneumonia is an infection in one or both lungs. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). This neurological condition often affects people with CD4 cell counts below 200. While there is no current treatment for this disease, some response has been shown with antiretroviral therapies. Toxoplasmosis. This parasitic infection commonly strikes people with CD4 cell counts below 200. Prophylaxis treatments are used as a preventive measure for people posting low CD4 cell counts. Tuberculosis. This disease is most common in low-income areas of the world. It can be successfully treated in most cases if caught early. Wasting syndrome (HIV-related). This OI causes a total weight loss of more than 10 percent of your normal body weight. Treatment involves dietary management and continued antiretroviral therapy. Kaposi's sarcoma. This form of cancer often presents with either oral lesions or lesions covering the skin surfaces. Current treatments include radiation and chemotherapy to shrink the tumors. Antiretroviral therapy is also used to boost the body's CD4 cell count. Lymphoma. A variety of cancers frequently present in people living with HIV. Treatment will vary based upon the person's cancer type and health condition. Cervical cancer. Women living with HIV are at greater risk of developing cervical cancer. An impaired immune system presents challenges associated with treating this form of cancer. Cancers common with HIV If a person presents with one or more OIs, the disease will likely be categorized as stage 3 HIV (or AIDS), regardless of the person's current CD4 cell count. OIs are currently the leading cause of death for people living with HIV. However, antiretroviral therapies (HAART) and prophylaxis have shown promise in preventing these diseases, when taken as directed. Staying healthy with HIV Doctor-prescribed drug regimens and healthy daily living habits can greatly improve life expectancy as well as quality of life for people living with HIV. People living with HIV can proactively avoid many OIs by following these tips: Follow a daily drug regimen that includes both antiretroviral therapies and prophylaxes (medications used to prevent disease). Get vaccinated. Ask your doctor which vaccines you may need. Use condoms consistently and correctly to avoid exposure to sexually transmitted infections. Avoid illicit drug use and needle sharing. Take extra precautions when working in high-exposure areas, such as day-care centers, prisons, healthcare facilities, and homeless centers. Avoid raw or undercooked products and unpasteurized dairy products. Wash your hands frequently when preparing foods. Drink filtered water.
The Independent
27-06-2025
- Health
- The Independent
First patient in Europe receives treatment for rare genetic condition
Mary Catchpole, 19, has become the first person in Europe to receive leniolisib (Joenja), a new drug approved for use on the NHS to treat activated PI3-Kinase delta syndrome (APDS). APDS is a rare inherited disorder that significantly weakens the immune system, making patients vulnerable to recurrent infections; Mary's family has been severely impacted, with four members, including her mother, dying from the condition. The new medicine, a simple tablet taken twice daily, is the first targeted treatment for APDS and works by inhibiting an overactive enzyme identified by Cambridge researchers in 2013. Mary described the drug as "life-changing", allowing her to reduce extensive medication and look forward to a more normal life, including pursuing her dream of becoming a dance teacher. Experts believe leniolisib will make a huge difference to APDS patients, with researchers now exploring its potential application for other, more common immune conditions.
Telegraph
27-06-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
Teenager is first person in Europe to get wonder drug for rare genetic disorder
A teenager who lost her mother, aunt and uncle to a genetic condition has become the first person in Europe to receive a 'life-changing' drug after it was approved for use on the NHS. Mary Catchpole, 19, suffers from activated PI3-Kinase delta syndrome (APDS), a rare hereditary disorder that leaves people with a significantly weakened immune system. Patients with APDS are susceptible to repeated infections, causing them to face a lifetime of antibiotics and invasive procedures to try to keep them well. The maternal side of Ms Catchpole's family has been badly affected by APDS. Sarah, her mother, died aged 43 in 2018, while her aunt Helen died aged 12, her uncle Edward when he was 39 and her grandmother Mary when she was 48. Now, thanks to researchers who identified APDS, Ms Catchpole has received a new drug to treat it at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge. The medicine, called leniolisib, or Joenja, is the first targeted treatment for APDS and is a tablet taken twice a day. Researchers identified a change in genes that increased activity of an enzyme called PI3-Kinase delta, meaning this enzyme is effectively 'switched on' all the time. This prevents immune cells from fighting infection and leads to an abnormal immune function. The new drug works by inhibiting the enzyme, effectively returning the immune system to its normal state. Ms Catchpole, a teaching assistant who lives in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, told the PA news agency: 'I was diagnosed with APDS aged seven and it's had a big effect on my life. 'I had lots of cannulas when I was younger and lots of hospital trips. I had a permanent line in the side of my body when I was younger which they put medicine in regularly at the hospital. 'I wasn't allowed to do very much physical activity so I had to sit out a lot in PE at school. I used to be called an attention-seeker because obviously it was hidden, so no one really believed me. It also stopped me from doing a lot of my dancing, which I've always loved to do. So it has been hard.' Ms Catchpole said taking the new drug was 'life-changing' because it meant she could leave behind huge amounts of medication. She added: 'It's really a blessing, but it's also obviously bittersweet because my late family members never got the chance to have it.' Discovering APDS APDS was identified by Cambridge researchers in 2013, with Ms Catchpole's family playing a key role in the condition's discovery. Her mother and uncle were patients at Addenbrooke's and were offered DNA sequencing to see if there was a genetic cause for their immunodeficiency. 'I've always felt different so it will be nice to feel like I belong,' she said. 'To be able to feel normal going about my day-to-day life is going to be really nice.' Until now, the only treatments for APDS patients were antibiotics for infections, immunoglobulin replacement therapy to prevent infections and organ damage, and a bone marrow or stem cell transplant. Experts believe the drug will work long-term in patients as long as they keep taking the tablets. Researchers are now looking at the potential for Joenja to work on other, more common immune conditions. Patients eligible for Joenja can be referred to Addenbrooke's for a review and specialist care. Between 40 to 50 people in England are known to have APDS. The price for leniolisib is listed at £352,000 per person per year, but the company Pharming has agreed to a discount for the NHS. Changing lives Dr Anita Chandra, consultant immunologist at Addenbrooke's and affiliated assistant professor at the University of Cambridge, said: 'It is incredible to go from the discovery of a new disease in Cambridge to a treatment being approved and offered on the NHS within the space of 12 years. 'This new drug will make a huge difference to people living with APDS.' Prof Sergey Nejentsev, from the University of Cambridge who led the research, said: 'As soon as we understood the cause of APDS, we immediately realised that certain drugs could be used to inhibit the enzyme that is activated in these patients. 'Leniolisib does precisely that. I am delighted that we finally have a treatment which will change the lives of APDS patients.' Prof James Palmer, NHS England's medical director for specialised commissioning, said: 'This treatment could be life-changing for those affected by this debilitating genetic disorder, and this important step forward is another example of the NHS's commitment to offering access to innovative medicines for those living with rare conditions.' The team that discovered APDS included researchers from the University of Cambridge, Babraham Institute, the Medical Research Council Laboratory for Molecular Biology, and Addenbrooke's, with funding from Wellcome and the National Institute for Health and Care Research.
The Independent
27-06-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Breakthrough for teen who lost four family members to inherited condition
A teenager who lost four family members to a rare genetic condition has become the first person in Europe to receive a 'life-changing' drug after it was approved for use on the NHS. Mary Catchpole, 19, also has activated PI3-Kinase delta syndrome (APDS), a rare inherited disorder that leaves people with a significantly weakened immune system. Patients with APDS are vulnerable to recurrent infections, often facing a lifetime of antibiotics and invasive medical procedures in an attempt to manage their health. Miss Catchpole's mother's side of the family has been badly affected by APDS – her mother Sarah died aged 43 in 2018, her aunt Helen died aged 12, her uncle Edward when he was 39 and her grandmother Mary when she was 48. Now, thanks to researchers in Cambridge who identified APDS, Miss Catchpole has received a new drug to treat it at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge. The medicine, called leniolisib (Joenja), is the first ever targeted treatment for APDS and is a simple tablet taken twice a day. Miss Catchpole is a teaching assistant who lives in Great Yarmouth with her father, Jimmy, 64, and brother Joe, 20, who does not have the condition. 'I was diagnosed with APDS aged seven, and it's had a big effect on my life. I had lots of cannulas when I was younger and lots of hospital trips,' she said. 'I had a permanent line in the side of my body when I was younger, which they put medicine in regularly at the hospital. 'I wasn't allowed to do very much physical activity, so I had to sit out a lot in PE at school. 'I used to be called an attention-seeker because obviously it was hidden, so no one really believed me. 'It also stopped me from doing a lot of my dancing, which I've always loved to do. So it has been hard.' Miss Catchpole said taking the new drug is 'life-changing' as it means she can leave behind huge amounts of medication. 'I feel really blessed because it's so simple to do and it doesn't take up very much time, whereas for the medication, it just takes such a long time to do. So it's really a blessing, but it's also obviously bittersweet because my late family members never got the chance to have it.' APDS was identified by Cambridge researchers in 2013, with Miss Catchpole's family playing a key role in its discovery. Her mother and uncle were Addenbrooke's patients and were offered DNA sequencing to see if there was a genetic cause for their immunodeficiency. Researchers identified a change in their genes that increased activity of an enzyme called PI3-Kinase delta, meaning this enzyme is effectively 'switched on' all the time. This prevents immune cells from fighting infection and leads to an abnormal immune function. The new drug works by inhibiting the enzyme, effectively normalising the immune system. Now, Miss Catchpole says she can look to the future with optimism and is excited to lead a normal life. 'I really want to become a dance teacher,' she said. 'I absolutely love my current job as a teaching assistant, but I'd also like to go on some adventures as well. 'I've always felt different, so it will be nice to feel like I belong. 'When I had sleepovers when I was younger and had to take all my medication with me, I didn't feel like a normal child. 'To be able to feel normal going about my day-to-day life is going to be really nice.' Until now, the only treatments for APDS patients were antibiotics for infections, immunoglobulin replacement therapy to prevent infections and organ damage, and a bone marrow or stem cell transplant. Dr Anita Chandra, consultant immunologist at Addenbrooke's and affiliated assistant professor at the University of Cambridge, said going from 'the discovery of a new disease in Cambridge to a treatment being approved and offered on the NHS within the space of 12 years' is 'incredible'. 'This new drug will make a huge difference to people living with APDS.' Professor Sergey Nejentsev, from the University of Cambridge, who led the research that discovered APDS, said: 'As soon as we understood the cause of APDS, we immediately realised that certain drugs could be used to inhibit the enzyme that is activated in these patients. 'Leniolisib does precisely that. I am delighted that we finally have a treatment which will change the lives of APDS patients.' Professor James Palmer, NHS England 's medical director for specialised commissioning, said: 'We're delighted to see Mary become the first patient in Europe to receive this first-ever targeted and approved therapy for a rare condition identified just over a decade ago – in Cambridge, no less. 'This treatment could be life-changing for those affected by this debilitating genetic disorder, and this important step forward is another example of the NHS's commitment to offering access to innovative medicines for those living with rare conditions.' Experts believe the drug will work long-term in patients as long as they keep taking the tablets. Researchers are now looking at the potential for leniolisib to work on other, more common immune conditions. Patients eligible for leniolisib can be referred to Addenbrooke's for specialist review and care. Between 40 to 50 people in England are known to have APDS. The list price for leniolisib is £352,000 per person per year, but the company Pharming has agreed a discount for the NHS. The team that discovered APDS included researchers from the University of Cambridge, Babraham Institute, Medical Research Council (MRC) Laboratory for Molecular Biology, and Addenbrooke's, with funding from Wellcome and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
