General

There is no evidence of a link, either protective or causative, of PID with dementia. We are living longer and dementia is usually a condition of old age and the number of people affected is on the increase in the general population.

Your dentist should be made aware and can then take appropriate advice from your medical team if required.  For example, patients with complement deficiency on prophylactic antibiotics may well require an additional regimen pre-dental treatment, but other PIDs may not.

Yes these are fine but make sure you change them frequently as recommended by the manufacturer.

Botox parties where you share needles are definitely NOT recommended. If you want to have Botox then ask your health team about this and do your research to find a reputable clinic.

In general people with PID can have cosmetic surgery but it’s best to ask your doctor what he advises. As with all operations there’s a risk with infection and your doctor will know what threat these risks are for your condition. Don’t forget to thoroughly research your cosmetic surgeon and their track record.

No. Overall the risks of getting an infection through manicure and pedicure are the same as for healthy people. Choose a place that is reputable and has high standards of hygiene.  We recommend that people with PID do not have ‘fish pedicures’ as the tanks used are full of bacteria and fungi that could cause

All universities will have an extenuating circumstances policy that your son or daughter should look up. This policy is there to assist students who may encounter significant personal difficulties outside their control such as ill health. Many universities can put into place adjustments to support study and assessment.  It is also worth your son or

You will need to discuss with your immunologist to see if they think there is a specific reason you are getting urinary infections but in general the immune system does not play a role in protecting the lower urinary tract as this is really dependent on good bladder hygiene (voiding often and not holding urine)

We have the IPOPI booklet “A Guide for GPs” which you can download from our website or you can request a copy by emailing us at hello@immunodeficiencyuk.org.  You can then give this to your GP to provide them with more information. 

Costochondritis causes pain in the rib cartilages at the front of your chest. These can become inflamed and sore, sometimes with viral infection. Lung pain can occur anywhere in your chest, front or back. Often this pain is worse when you cough or take a deep breath. It is a sign that the lining of