Patients

Follow these steps to help relieve symptoms and help you manage your condition at home. Receive routine follow-up care

• See your healthcare provider regularly. Most people who have sickle cell disease should see their provider every 3 to 12 months, depending on their age and type of sickle cell.

• Get regular vaccines, including a flu shot every year, and the COVID-19 vaccine. There are also routine immunizations to cover the higher risks of sickle cell disease, such as pneumonia and meningococcal vaccines. Follow these guidelinesexternal link even if you or your child is still taking penicillin.

• Take hydroxyurea and other medicines recommended by your healthcare provider on a regular basis as prescribed. Although pregnant individuals should not take hydroxyurea, follow the ongoing medication advice from your healthcare provider for improved quality of life.

• Ask your healthcare team to check your blood pressure at each visit, and ask what your numbers mean for…

Whether you personally live with sickle-cell disease or you're a caregiver to someone who does, there's no doubt that it takes a lot of perseverance for you to push through the tough times. To celebrate your warrior status, we're sharing some of our favorite quotes on overcoming, building courage, and having overall tenacity. 

1. "Being a survivor doesn't mean being strong - it's telling people when you need a meal or a ride, company, whatever. It's paying attention to heart wisdom, feelings, not living a role, but having a unique, authentic life, having something to contribute, finding time to love and laugh. All these things are qualities of survivors." --Bernie Siegel 

2. "You recognize a survivor when you see one. You recognize a fighter when you see one." --Elizabeth Edwards 

3. "Life isn't perfect. When you get a knock, you have to get up, dust yourself down and get on with it."…