Question
Will a cold affect my blood test?
15 December 2021. Related: All topics.
I am sick at the moment, most likely with a viral infection, like a cold (I am negative for COVID). I booked a blood test a month ago, before I was sick to check if my Iron and vitamin D levels are okay. Will being sick affect my blood test? And will getting a blood test harm my immune system and make it so it takes longer for me to get better?
Answer
HI, how are you?
Sorry to hear you have been unwell, hopefully you are feeling better now.
An infection like a cold will not likely have an impact on your Iron or Vitamin D levels. If the result is outside of a normal range, it is likely the blood test would be repeated.
As for how a cold can impact HIV markers (Viral Load and CD4), a previous question has been asked for which you can find here.
A blood test, when carried out safely, will not impact your immune system. It will not mean you take longer to become healthy again.
If you have another question please get in touch,
Josh.
Hi Cath, have you discussed these results with your doctor?
Changes in blood results can be caused by any number of things. This should be discussed with your doctor in the contact of your health and the reason behind the blood test being done.
Had some bloods taken last week when full of cold and high temperature-?bloods have come back as high potassium and alt ….. is this normal ?