During the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, people living with SCD are extremely vulnerable and have to shield themselves from getting infected.

SCD- Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder or illness of red blood cells. Genetic diseases mean it gets transferred from parents to young ones. Every year June 19 is celebrated as World Sickle cell day (WSCD) to spread awareness about sickle cell disease on the national and international levels. In the year 2008, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution that recognizes sickle cell disease as “one of the world’s foremost genetic diseases.”

What is Sickle Cell disease?

Sickle cell is a genetic disease of red blood cells in which round and flexible RBC’s become stiff and C shaped like a sickle, unable to carry the oxygen freely around the body. This induces severe pain in the body which is termed as sickle cell crisis. These sickle cells have a short life span as compared to normal RBCs. People suffering from sickle cells are at high risk of getting a stroke, blindness, bone damage, and sometimes damage to the liver, kidney, lungs, and spleen also occur. Sickle cell treatment usually involves reducing and preventing complications.

Symptoms of Sickle Cell

Chronic (long term) anemia – as healthy red blood cells get converted into the sickle cell and they eventually die causing a shortage of RBCs.

Pain Episodes (crisis) – because blood vessels get blocked, swell, and cause pain in that area.

Constant Fatigue –feeling weak or lacking in energy because of the anemia.

Jaundice

On World Sickle cell day, people wear red clothes to celebrate the achievements of people living with sickle cell.