What is the prognosis like, if diagnosed with sickle cell disease?

Dr Zoe tells Stylist: “The truth is it effects different people in different ways. The only cure for sickle cell disease is a stem cell or bone marrow transplant, but they’re not done very often because of the risks involved and a perfect donor match has to be found.

“If people lead a healthy, active lifestyle they can reduce the complications. And that includes practicing good self-care: always drinking fluid, staying well hydrated. Avoiding very cold temperatures, because that’s a common trigger. And people living with sickle cell disease might take medication, including Hydroxycarbamide to reduce symptoms and antibiotics every day to reduce risk of infections.

“Some people have mild disease, and that may not impact much on their life. But some people can suffer with the disease more severely. Later in life it can lead to complications with blood vessels being blocked, leading to higher risk of strokes, serious infections and lung problems.”

Sickle cell disease: four things we should all know on World Sickle Cell Day