Can you have an iron infusion if you have thalassemia?

Treatment is not needed nor recommended. This is a lifelong condition with mild anemia and small red blood cells. People with thalassemia trait should not take iron supplementation, as this will not improve your anemia.

Should thalassemia patients take iron?

If you have thalassemia trait, your physician may prescribe iron supplements because your red blood cells are smaller than is typical. Unless you also have iron deficiency in addition to thalassemia, this is not needed and should be avoided.

What should thalassemia patients avoid?

We recommend that the patients undergoing blood transfusion shall go for a diet which is low in iron. It is in the best interest of thalassemic patients to avoid iron-fortified food such as red meat, cereal, green leafy vegetables & foods that are rich in Vitamin C.

What does iron do for thalassemia?

Iron overload. People with thalassemia can get too much iron in their bodies, either from the disease or from frequent blood transfusions. Too much iron can result in damage to your heart, liver and endocrine system, which includes hormone-producing glands that regulate processes throughout your body.

Should thalassemia patients take Covid vaccine?

Otherwise, there are no contraindications or exceptions to immunization for individuals within the thalassemia population beyond those for the general population. COVID-19 vaccines can be given concomitantly with, or any time before or after any other live or inactivated vaccine.

How does thalassemia increase iron?

For people living with thalassemia, because too much iron may build up in the blood, foods high in iron may need to be limited. Iron can be found in meat, fish, and some vegetables (e.g., spinach). Other products, like cereal and orange juice, may contain extra iron.

Can someone with thalassemia minor take iron supplements?

But iron supplements have no effect on thalassemia. If you have many blood transfusions, too much iron may build up in your blood. If this happens, you will need chelation therapy to remove extra iron from your body. You shouldn’t take iron supplements if you receive blood transfusions.

Can someone with thalassemia get Covid?

The number of infected thalassemia patients was lower than expected, likely due to earlier and more vigilant self-isolation compared to the general population. Splenectomy is not known to increase the general risk of viral infection or severe viral disease, but no specific data exists for SARS-CoV-2.