Not many people know much about the sickle cell condition, so we decided to share these facts to rectify common misconceptions about it.
- There is a difference between sickle cell trait and sickle cell disease
Having the sickle trait means you are a carrier of sickle cell. This is different from being a sufferer of the disease. Having the trait means that you might have a child with sickle cell disease (if the other parent has the sickle cell disease or the trait).
- Black people suffer the most from the sickle cell condition
Africans are affected the most by this genetic disease. Other races affected by the sickle cell disease include Arabs, Hispanics, Indians, and Mediterraneans.
- Sickle cell sufferers are subjected to pain and infection
The physical pain that comes with being a sickle cell patient is not exclusive to one part or organ of the body. Sometimes, they feel pains in their joints and in their head all at once. They also susceptible to an overwhelming number of infections. That’s why daily care and medication is necessary for those living with sickle cell.
- It is not a death sentence
Sickle cell disease can be managed. People with sickle cell disease live happy and productive lives if they follow their doctors’ advices to the last letter.
- Sickle cell disease is NOT contagious
It’s not an Abiku thing or some affliction sent by some god. It’s simply a genetic condition passed on to individuals by their parents.
Just in case you didn’t know, your blood group is different from your genotype. Knowing your genotype will help you fight the disease by breaking the sickle cell cycle.