I have to admit that I’m one of those who have been sucked into the Coronavirus (COVID-19) infodemic vortex!!! I’m obsessed – not only because of its unprecedented impact on our society but also because I fall into that at-risk category – I have Lupus and Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis, GPA (formerly Wegener’s Disease). This virus poses the biggest threat to those who have weakened immune systems and long-term – or chronic – illnesses, it is only natural to be concerned about the coronavirus.
While COVID-19 is a new virus and we are still learning how it works, it is important, for someone like me to look after my health and keep my risk of infection low. The best way to do this is to take the same steps that you would to avoid other types of viruses like colds and the flu:
- Avoid anyone—including family members— who are unwell, with symptoms of fever (over 100ºF), chills, a cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
- Specifically, you should avoid close, personal contact, such as hugging, kissing and shaking hands.
- Wash your hands (tops, palms, fingers, and nails) frequently with hot, soapy water for at least 20 seconds.
- Keep and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol both out in public and at home. Remember that surfaces—especially in bathrooms, on shared office equipment, on store countertops, gas pump handles, doorknobs, any surface of the car, and in restaurants—can expose you to germs.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way. Remember that this virus is spread through droplets.
- Use the crook of your arm to shield coughs and sneezing. Do not use your hands or handkerchiefs as they carry moisture that spread viruses. When you sneeze, cough or blow into a tissue, safely discard it.
- Stay home from work or school if you are sick. Immunosuppressed patients may want to reach out to their doctors for a letter to work from home if need be.
- Please remember that you should never stop taking medications used to treat your lupus without first consulting with your doctor.
- The CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a face mask to protect themselves from any respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. You should only wear a mask if a health care professional recommends it.
- Call your doctor right away if you develop a fever, cough, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
- Make a joint plan with family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors on what to do if you become ill.
- With respect to travel, it is advised to limit or cancel unnecessary domestic and international travel. Practice social distancing by avoiding crowded areas, large gatherings, public transportation, and recreational group activities.
- Since stress is a major trigger for symptom worsening in any chronic illness, managing stress is very important and necessary to avoid a flareup of lupus caused by stress. I encourage you to maintain your daily routine, drink fluids, eat healthy meals, and get exercise and plenty of rest and sleep, but if you are experiencing a decline in function as a result of the excessive worry over the coronavirus, reach out for help.
The situation is changing rapidly. Communicate with your doctor and stay up to date with the latest information from your local public health officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and follow the recommendations to protect your health and lower your risk for infection.
Be safe, stay healthy and wash your hands!
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