Your Immune System
Your immune system is your body’s own security system. It’s made up of many parts, including immune cells, antibodies, bone marrow, lymph nodes and the spleen. Each part plays an important role in detecting and fighting infections, helping to keep you well.
Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinaemia (WM) or lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL) can place extra strain on your immune system, particularly during the winter months.
As a result, people living with WM or LPL are considered immunocompromised. This can happen for several reasons, including having lower levels of helpful antibodies, the effects of treatment weakening immunity, or the bone marrow becoming overcrowded with WM or LPL cells and abnormal antibodies (IgM, IgG or IgA). This can leave less room for healthy cells to develop.
Being immunocompromised doesn’t mean you will always be unwell — most people manage very well — but it does mean you may be more prone to infections and take longer to recover.
Vaccinations: What Is Recommended?
Staying up to date with vaccinations is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself from infections when you are immunocompromised. For most people living with WM or LPL, the following vaccines are usually recommended:
Flu vaccine
Available every year from your GP surgery or local pharmacy. The flu vaccine uses an inactivated (“dead”) virus, so it cannot give you flu. It helps your immune system recognise the virus if you come into contact with it, reducing your risk of complications.
Pneumococcal vaccine
This protects against pneumonia and other serious chest infections. Some people are offered a booster, depending on their age and previous vaccinations.
COVID-19 vaccines
COVID-19 vaccination remains strongly recommended across the UK, as many people with WM or LPL do not produce a strong antibody response. Booster doses help to keep your immune protection topped up.
Shingles vaccine
A non-live shingles vaccine (Shingrix®) is available in the UK. If you are eligible (currently offered to people aged 70–79), ask your GP or healthcare team about receiving Shingrix to help protect against shingles.
Because everyone’s health needs are different, it’s important to discuss vaccinations with your healthcare team so they can advise which vaccines are safe and suitable for you.
Infections And Antibiotic Use
Antibiotics can only treat bacterial infections — they do not work against viruses, colds or COVID-19. However, people with WM or LPL may take longer to recover from viral infections, which can increase the risk of developing a bacterial infection afterwards.
A good rule of thumb is to seek medical advice if:
- you have a virus and start to feel worse after initially improving, or
- your symptoms are not settling after five days.
Contact your GP or clinical team so they can assess whether you may need antibiotics.
While you’re recovering, it’s also kind to be cautious around others. People with WM or LPL may shed viruses for longer, so giving yourself time to recover before mixing with others can help reduce the risk of passing infections on.
The Infection Checklist below can help you recognise when to manage symptoms at home and when to escalate concerns to your clinical team.
Tips for Keeping Well
Staying well doesn’t have to feel daunting. Small, everyday steps can make a big difference to protecting your health:
Seek medical advice early
If in doubt, contact your GP, clinical team or out-of-hours service. Early advice can prevent infections from becoming more serious.
Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of fluids supports your kidneys and helps your immune system work effectively by flushing out toxins.
Eat well to support your immune system
A balanced diet — including fruit, vegetables, wholegrains, protein and healthy fats — provides the fuel your body needs to fight infection and maintain energy. Eating small, regular meals may help if you struggle with appetite or fatigue.
Gentle exercise
Short walks, light exercise or stretching can help build strength, improve mood and support circulation. Even a few minutes each day can make a difference.
Hand hygiene
Regular handwashing and using hand sanitiser when out and about are simple but effective ways to reduce the risk of infection.
Here to Help
Remember, the WMUK Support Team is here to offer advice, resources and help you. We’re here Monday -Thursday 9am-5pm. You can email support@wmuk.org.uk, call 0300 373 8500, or book a call or Zoom chat online.
