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How to stay healthy amid COVID-19 outbreaks when you have a compromised immune system

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Action News Jax spoke one-on-one with a doctor from Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center about the risks patients face and how they can stay healthy during this difficult time.

Tiffany McRee was diagnosed with breast cancer while she was pregnant with her now 3-year-old son. She said it was a scary experience to go through when she felt that her life had just started.

Now, almost three years after her chemotherapy, she is considered a cancer survivor.

Amid COVID-19 outbreaks, she weighs in on social distancing and staying healthy. She said a lot of the warnings to people are the same warnings that cancer patients, going through chemo, have on a daily basis.

Dr. Jennifer Crozier with Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center said patients undergoing cancer treatments are at a higher risk for having trouble fighting off the infection because their immune system is weakened.

In addition to practicing social distancing, avoiding big crowds and diligent hand washing -- she’s also encouraging people with weak immune systems to eat lots of vegetables, get 8 hours of sleep, get fresh air and sometimes unplug from social media.

“We are screening everyone who is coming in the building -- checking for any symptoms consistent with COVID, or if they’re having a fever," Dr. Crozier said regarding the cancer center’s policies. “As far as right now all of our treatments are ongoing. We are trying to keep our protective equipment by not having elective surgeries or elective procedures.“