Sickle cell is a contagious communicable disease. FALSE: A person cannot “catch” sickle cell disease from another person, like one would catch a cold or the flu. SCD can ONLY be inherited from parents. It is a genetic disease that is a part of a person’s DNA profile.
Sickle cell disease is an African disease, affecting only people in Africa and their descendants. FALSE: SCD is widespread, affecting many races and ethnicities including Hispanics, Asians, Indians and people of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern descent.
The life expectancy of people with SCD is very short. FALSE: In the past, sickle cell patients often died from organ failure, infection and other complications at an early age. However, today, people with SCD can live past 60, thanks to modern treatments. Consistent treatment, a healthy diet, and dietary supplements can produce a favorable and productive life expectancy.