Coronavirus Pandemic: are people with cancer at high risk?

The coronavirus outbreak is drastically changing the lives of people globally. The worst part is, it doesn’t discriminate, it affects people of all age and societies. But what about the people who are diagnosed with cancer? Are they at greater risk of getting infected with COVID 19?

What is the new Coronavirus or COVID 19 disease?

The new Coronaviruses are a large family of disease-causing viruses that are commonly found in human and many different species of animals. The novel coronavirus causes respiratory disease and was first detected in China and has now been detected in the United States and many other countries. The virus has been named SARS-CoV-2, and the disease it causes has been named coronavirus disease 2019, which is abbreviated as COVID-19.

 

Are people with cancer at high risk?

There are several studies which show that various cancer treatment processes like chemotherapy, weakens the immune system of a person. This may increase the risk of getting infections including SARS-COV-2. Moreover, there will be times in your treatment cycle, during chemotherapy when you are at increased risk of infection.

 

How can you protect yourself if you are a cancer patient?

You might be aware of the fact that currently there is no vaccine against Coronavirus. Hence, the best way to protect yourself is by not getting exposed to the virus in the first place.

The advice to the cancer patients is the same what is being advised to other people, which are as follows;

• Avoid large social gatherings and close contact with people who are sick
• Keep away from irrelevant person-to-person contact, such as handshakes
• Restrict touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for a minimum 20 seconds
• Receive a flu vaccine
• Stay at home as much as possible
• Make sure you have access to many weeks of medication and other supplies in case you need to stay home for prolonged periods
• When you have to go out in public, avoid crowds
• Avoid nonessential travel

Furthermore, if you receive cancer treatment at a medical facility then call your doctor and follow their guidelines before going to the hospital. Moreover, taking proper preventive measures can protect you and decrease your risk of getting the COVID 19 infection.