According to a story from Healing Hugs Haven, the rapid spread of COVID-19 around the world has been getting a lot of airtime in the news lately, and for good reason. While most people probably have little chance of dying if they got the virus, this cannot be said for the elderly or the chronically ill. This also includes a significant portion of rare disease patients. While a lot of advice has been going around about how to avoid infection and get prepared, rare disease patients may need to take extra precautions. Here are three steps that those with compromised immune systems, chronic illnesses, or rare diseases should take.
Get Extra Medication
If you take medication on a regular basis, it’s definitely a good idea to stock up as much as possible on both any prescription drugs that you might be taking and over the counter medicines as well. Unfortunately there is a genuine possibility of drug shortages. A lot of medications are imported and use ingredients from China. The state of quarantine in many areas of the country means that manufacturing facilities are on lock-down; while ideally they will be back in action before too long, it definitely makes sense to stock up. Head to the pharmacy and get in touch with your doctor and insurance.
Talk to Your Doctor
Talk to your doctor as soon as possible and don’t wait for an emergency situation. Communicate via email if your are concerned about exposure. It’s a good idea to mention topics related to COVID-19 specifically, such as what changes might be necessary to your care if you get infected. If they are willing, try to get a direct phone number if you don’t have it already in case you need to communicate with them quickly.
Follow Normal Precautions and Recommendations
- Try to avoid public places as much as possible unless you know for certain that it is worth the risk.
- Wash your hands on a daily basis, and ask others that enter your living space to do the same upon entering.
- Avoid contact with sick people.
- Try not to touch your face (including eyes, nose, and mouth).
- Cover your coughs and sneezes
- Disinfect frequently touched surfaces in your house.
- Know the symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, diarrhea, vomiting, shortness of breath, aching, coughing, fatigue)