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Common Infections in Children with Weak Immune Systems

Your immune system defends your body from infection.

It is made up of cells, tissues, and organs. They work together to protect the body from germs that could make you sick. These germs include bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

People with cancer and blood disorders may have weak immune systems.

When you have a weak immune system, germs can infect you and grow more easily.

Immunocompromised patients are at risk for serious infections. In some cases, these infections can be life-threatening.

What causes a weak immune system?

There are many reasons that people with cancer and blood disorders may have a weak immune system.

Chemotherapy drugs target areas of the body that grow quickly. The immune system is one of these areas.

Diseases may affect how the immune system works.

Read more about Immunity, Illness, and Infection.

Here is more information about common infections in immunocompromised patients.

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Reviewed: August 2022