How do I take care of myself if I have aplastic anemia?
How do I take care of myself if I have aplastic anemia?
If you have aplastic anemia, it’s important to:
- Avoid high-contact activities: Sports like football, hockey or wrestling come with a risk of injury. Because aplastic anemia carries a risk of uncontrolled bleeding, you may need to avoid contact sports where you could get injured.
- Protect yourself from viruses and germs: Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently. Avoid exposure to sick people, wear a mask and get all recommended vaccines, including your annual flu shot. If you do start to show signs of infection, see your healthcare provider right away.
- Rest as needed: If you have anemia, you may feel short of breath even after mild-intensity activities. Rest when you need to, and take a lot of breaks.