Immunocompromised
Having a weakened immune system that struggles to fight off infections, whether from illness, medication, or genetic factors.
A state in which the immune system is unable to mount an effective defense against pathogens due to disease, medical treatment, or genetic condition. This can result from HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy, organ transplant medications, or primary immune disorders, leaving the person vulnerable to infections that healthy immune systems typically control.
What this means in real life
A person undergoing chemotherapy for cancer may become immunocompromised, making them vulnerable to infections from bacteria or viruses that a healthy person's body would easily defeat—even a common cold could become serious.
What it isn’t
Being immunocompromised does not mean having no immune system at all, nor does it automatically mean someone will become severely ill from any exposure. Many immunocompromised people manage their condition successfully with medical support and precautions.
Commonly misused online
Social media often conflates immunocompromised with 'fragile' or 'unable to leave home,' when in reality severity varies widely; some immunocompromised individuals live relatively normal lives with medical management.