Frequently Asked Questions about SCID:
- “Will my child have to live in a bubble for the rest of his life?”
This question is very common, especially with people who have seen the 1976 movie “The Boy in the Plastic Bubble”. The answer is no. It is not very likely that any child will have to live in a plastic bubble. Precautions should be taken when you have a child with SCID though. Masks and sterile objects is always a must. With treatments, your child’s immune system should build up and the precautions should eventually decrease until they can live a normal life.
- "Is it okay for my child to get a vaccine?"
No, it is not okay for your child to get a vaccine. Because children with SCID have immune systems that do not fight against infection, the vaccine will make the child very sick, and it will not benefit the child in any way. If you are scared that your child will catch the flu, you should not get the flu shot. Instead, you should try to keep your child away from any body who is very sick.
- How can I prevent my child with SCID from getting infections?
- Will my child be okay?
Yes, with the treatment available, your child should be able to live a healthy normal life. The recommended treatments are gene therapy and bone marrow transplants. This helps the child develop a healthy immune system. However, early diagnosis and treatment is key.
- When will SCID
first be present? Will my child have it for the rest of his life?
- Will Stem Cell Treatment or Gene Therapy work well for my child?