2. Recurring Infections: The Body’s Reduced Defense
In a healthy individual, the white blood cells act as the body’s defense force, guarding against infections. But in someone with HCL, these defense mechanisms can get compromised, leading to frequent infections.
The leukemia cells crowd the bone marrow, leading to fewer white blood cells being produced. This dip in the number of white blood cells compromises the immune system. Consequently, even a common cold can hit harder, last longer, and recovery can be an uphill battle.
What’s even more troubling is the recurrence of these infections. One might find that they’re falling ill more frequently, and sometimes, before they’ve fully recovered from one ailment, another one takes hold. It can feel like a never-ending cycle of illnesses, with the body getting little reprieve in between. (2)
