low WBC,is it normal on tx.

[becksta29]

i was just wondering how many of us on tx get low WBC,like is it 50% or 10% etc? does it depend on how many viruses u hav to fight while on tx too,like flues, gastro, ear infections?i think white cells fight every germ virus etc from what i remember reading and hearing but i do forget an aweful lot, so thats my theory on why its low hope my chances aint worse cos of low wbc,i will hate flue viruses soooooooooo bad if im right.

[JennyPenny]

No, I think I didn't get clear because of the length of time I had the virus...since 1966 and the amount of liver damage I have. I am cirrhotic and genotype 1b. I also was treated very early on before ribavirin and peg became available and I wonder about all the resistance to interferon that I must have built up during many treatment tries with inadequate drugs.

[becksta29]

thanks jen i appreciate it,from what iv learnt on interferon is it only kills hep c type viruses not flue and infections too.
hey so do u think u didnt get cured cos of infection jen?

thanks yuk also i like to c ev1s point of views.

[JennyPenny]

I don't know the percentage of people with bone marrow suppression causing low counts. I do know that the more liver damage one has, the lower the counts tend to go. It has been shown in studies that people with hepatitis C and low neutrophil counts (WBC) do not get more infections than anyone else. However, treatment does not protect from the flu and other illnesses. My first treatment, I was teaching 1st grade and I caught every darn thing the kids had from strep throat to flu. So don't count on the hep drugs keeping you free from other illnesses both bacterial and viral. I also spent atg least six months of that year with viral pink eye. I was a mess.

[IMstacie]

The tx drugs can suppress bone marrow production of reds and whites.  I've read most people won't get additional infections from the kind of neutropenia (low WBC) we get while on interferon treatment.  My ANC  have bounced up and down thru my entire tx.  Although, I have become a germ freak and my dr. wants me to stay away from crowds and kids, I have not caught anything while on tx.

My personal belief regarding the flu, is we can't even get it taking interferon and ribavirin.  The Riba is an anti-viral drug - flu is a virus and flu-shots actually increase your natural interferon as your bodies self prevention.