How Covid keeps immunocompromised in lockdown

While many Geelong residents are enjoying the freedoms of life adjusting to ‘Covid normal’, others are living under self-imposed restrictions. Here’s why

While many Geelong residents are enjoying the freedom of life adjusting to Covid normal, some immunocompromised community members are living under self-imposed restrictions.

Newtown 48-year-old Cynthia Tresidder was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a blood cancer with no cure, in 2016.

Mrs Tresidder, who has two teenage children, has undergone multiple types of treatment, including immunotherapy and chemotherapy, since the diagnosis.

“It tends to be a disease where you need to be in fairly constant treatment to keep it at bay,” Mrs Tresidder said.

“Since the beginning my immune system has been compromised.”

But between the diagnosis and the pandemic, Mrs Tresidder did not let cancer stop her from being out and about.

Cynthia Tresidder has blood cancer so has been restricting her movements despite society opening up. Picture: Alan Barber

“What's happened with Covid is it’s front and centre, it’s in your face, there’s a fear factor that’s set in that wasn’t there before,” she said.

“Covid for me is just one of many things that could be my undoing.

“I’ve had pneumonia twice and been hospitalised, that could of been the end.”

Mrs Tresidder said she was constantly reminded of her vulnerability, and had altered her lifestyle due to Covid.

This had meant missing family gatherings and outings despite restrictions lifting, and reduced affection from her family members due to fear of her getting sick.

“I can’t envisage myself going to a large concert or anything like that for I don’t know how long,” she said.

“I’ve been avoiding crowds.

“I don’t know whether I can continue like that.

“I do want to go to some galleries, to go to some of exciting stuff that’s happening, I’ve got to weigh up the risk with the joys of living versus catching Covid.”

Mrs Tresidder said has not been vaccinated against Covid, due to her condition and treatment impacting vaccines’ efficacy, and her specialist had recommended exemption.

Barwon South West public health unit deputy director Associate Professor Dan O’Brien said for people being treated for cancer, treatment such as chemotherapy could mean vaccines may not work as well at protecting them.

“However we still however strongly advise vaccination, including fourth doses for those immune suppressed to try and improve their response to vaccine,” he said.

“Compared to the rest of the population, Covid-19 poses a higher risk to an immunocompromised person, including a higher rate of infection, severe disease, hospitalisation and death.

“Immunocompromised people are also more likely to be reinfected.”

A/Prof O’Brien said there were some cases of people within the community with chronic disease limiting their movements due to Covid risk.

“It is important that people with chronic illness ensure when outside of their home, that they take precautions where possible such as wearing a mask … to reduce their risk.”

Mrs Tresidder said she had become more fearful due to the pandemic.

“I don’t necessarily think that’s a great thing,” she said.

“Freedom and life come with risk.

“Every individual has the right to consider what risk they take on.”

Originally published as How Covid keeps immunocompromised in lockdown