The Message below concerning how to endeavour to stay safe and infection FREE of the COVID–19 Virus is provided by Maz from the NHS in the UK...
Hopefully, our own country will provide something similar, but in the meantime, I believe this is still good advice.
Best wishes,
Stay happy & healthy
Steve
Advice on Coronavirus for people with cancer
10 Mar. 2020
This set of frequently asked questions has been developed by the One Cancer Voice group of charities*
We are reassured that the NHS will continue to provide cancer treatments as normal and, if it becomes necessary, prioritise some patients for hospital treatment. Cancer treatment plans would only be changed if there is no alternative.
We understand that the NHS has conducted extensive work on supply chains to ensure a secure supply of necessary drugs and other requirements such as the radionuclides used in some imaging tests. Some people with cancer are more at risk of becoming seriously ill if they contract the COVID-19 infection (commonly known as the Coronavirus), including:
• People having chemotherapy, or who have received chemotherapy in the last 3 months
• People having immunotherapy or other continuing antibody treatments for cancer
• People having other targeted cancer treatments which can affect the immune system, such as protein kinase inhibitors
• People having intensive (radical) radiotherapy for lung cancer
• People who have had bone marrow or stem cell transplants in the last 6 months, or who are still taking immunosuppression drugs
• People with some types of blood cancer which damage the immune system, even if they have not needed treatment (for example, chronic leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma).
Your clinician may advise people in these groups to minimise their risk of exposure to COVID-19 infection by avoiding crowded environments, limiting social interaction and maintaining careful hand hygiene. Cancer treatment providers may also seek to minimise the time people in these groups spend in hospital departments, for example by enabling them to consult their hospital teams by telephone, and having blood tests done at GP surgeries or at home where this is possible.
Q&A People living with cancer now
Q1 Do I need to do anything differently as someone who is being treated / in remission from cancer/living with a chronic cancer?
We recommend everyone follows the NHS advice around reducing the risk of picking up infections including thoroughly and frequently washing your hands , practicing good hygiene and avoiding contact with people who are unwell www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
Cancer treatment providers may advise people in these groups to minimise their risk of exposure to COVID-19 infection by avoiding crowded environments, limiting social interaction and maintaining careful hand hygiene.
Q2 The NHS website says the impact of contracting coronavirus will be more serious for cancer patients. What does that mean? Would I be more likely to die?
Some people with cancer are more at risk of becoming seriously ill if they contract the COVID-19 infection:
• People having chemotherapy, or who have received chemotherapy in the last three months
• People having immunotherapy or other continuing antibody treatments for cancer
• People having other targeted cancer treatments which can affect the immune system, such as protein kinase inhibitors.
• People having intensive (radical) radiotherapy for lung cancer
• People who have had bone marrow or stem cell transplants in the last 6 months, or who are still taking immunosuppression drugs
• People with some types of blood cancer which damage the immune system, even if they have not needed treatment (for example, chronic leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma).
Q3 - UK relevant ONLY
Q4 What are the symptoms likely to be?/Will the symptoms be different because I have cancer?/What should I look out for?
The NHS outlines the common symptoms of coronavirus on its website Coronavirus:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
...can have serious effects on anyone who has a long-term health condition or a weakened immune system, including some people with cancer. Follow the advice on avoiding catching or spreading germs. (see Q1) Get advice straight away if you are in contact with someone with confirmed coronavirus, or if you need medical help. (see Q1)
Symptoms of coronavirus
The symptoms of coronavirus are:
* a cough
* a high temperature
* shortness of breath
But these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. The symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common, such as cold and flu.
How coronavirus is spread
Because it's a new illness, we do not know exactly how coronavirus spreads from person to person. Similar viruses are spread in cough droplets. It's very unlikely it can be spread through things like packages or food.
How to avoid catching or spreading coronavirus
DO
* wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds always wash your hands when you get home or into work
* use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
* cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
* put used tissues in the bin straight away and wash your hands afterwards
* try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell
DON'T
* do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
What to do if you think you might have coronavirus
If you think you might have coronavirus or you've been in close contact with someone who has it:
* stay at home and avoid close contact with other people
* do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital
* use the EMERGENCY SERVICES NUMBERS IN YOUR COUNTRY to contact local health authorities, and an online coronavirus service to find out what to do next
* The 111 coronavirus service will tell you if you need to continue to stay at home (self-isolate) or if you need medical help.
Treatment for coronavirus
* There is currently no specific treatment for coronavirus.
* Antibiotics do not help, as they do not work against viruses.
* Treatment aims to relieve the symptoms while your body fights the illness.
* You'll need to stay in isolation away from other people until you've recovered.
Hoping that some of this might prove helpful...
Best wishes to all...
Steve
