Coronavirus and chronic diseases: what to do to those at risk

Coronavirus can affect anyone, but it is believed that older people and patients with chronic diseases have a higher risk of severe illness. Writes about it with the BBC.

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If you suffer from chronic illnesses, heed the advice of experts.

Who is at risk?

If you have a chronic illness, your chances of catching a coronavirus are the same as those of other people.

But among older people, either with a weakened immune system, or with existing chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, or asthma, there are more people who are seriously affected by the infection.

Most patients with coronavirus recover quickly after several days of rest. But in some, this disease is more severe and life threatening. Its symptoms are similar to other diseases familiar to us, such as a cold or flu:

• cough;
• heat;
• labored breathing.

The risk group includes people over the age of 70, regardless of whether they have chronic diseases, as well as young people who have one or more of the following health problems:

• chronic (prolonged) respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema or bronchitis;
• chronic heart disease, such as heart failure;
• chronic kidney disease;
• chronic liver diseases, such as hepatitis;
• chronic neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, learning disorder or cerebral palsy;
• diabetes;
• problems with the spleen—for example, sickle cell disease or a history of spleen removal;
• the immune system is weakened as a result of illness (for example, HIV or AIDS), drug therapy (for example, steroids) or chemotherapy;
• significant overweight (BMI 40 and above);
• pregnancy.

So far, all people have been advised to isolate themselves and maintain a distance in order to reduce the likelihood of infection and the spread of coronavirus. People at risk are urged to follow these tips.

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Starting in early April, Britain's National Health Service has asked about 1,5 million Britons at high risk of complications - such as those currently being treated for cancer or undergoing immunosuppressive treatment - to isolate in their own homes for 12 weeks for their own protection. These people receive special recommendations from doctors.

Those who are among the listed categories but have not received a letter from the National Health Service are asked to contact their family doctor immediately.

I have asthma, what should I do?

Asthma UK specialists advise that you continue to use the prophylactic inhaler as directed by your doctor. This will reduce the risk of a sudden asthma attack if any respiratory virus, including coronavirus, gets into the airways.

Also carry another inhaler with you at all times to relieve symptoms if they arise.

Daily measure and record in your diary your peak expiratory flow rate, if there is a special measuring device (peak flow meter). So you will know for sure whether the asthmatic symptoms worsen, so you can distinguish them from the symptoms of coronavirus.

I am an elderly man. Should I self-isolate?

The latest advice is for everyone - regardless of age - to avoid all but essential social contact for now to stop the spread of the virus and protect the most vulnerable members of society. Accordingly, you should avoid meeting even with family and friends.

This is especially important for people over 70 and those who have chronic illnesses; because in case of infection they face a severe course of the disease.

Caroline Eybragems, director of the charity Age UK, encourages those who have older relatives and friends to regularly learn about their well-being.

Suddenly I have a chronic health problem?

Anyone for whom dangerous viral diseases, such as ARI or influenza, should do whatever is necessary to minimize the risk of infection.

If new symptoms appear—severe cough and high fever—you should definitely stay home. If symptoms worsen or do not improve after seven days, you should call your GP or the coronavirus hotline.

I have diabetes, what should I do?

Type 1 and type 2 diabetics also have a risk of severe coronavirus infection.

“Covid-19 can cause complications for people with diabetes,” says Dan Howarth, chairman of the health care program at the charity Diabetes UK. If you develop new symptoms as a result of your diabetes, such as cough, fever and difficulty breathing, you should especially monitor your blood sugar levels.”

When these symptoms appear, you need to stay at home for a week, continuing to take your usual medications. Do not go to a clinic, pharmacy or hospital, even if such a visit has been previously planned. Call the hotline if you feel that you are not coping with the symptoms.

If you regularly measure your blood glucose levels as recommended by your doctor, do it even more often. Unless you do this at home, watch for signs of hyperglycemia, such as excessive thirst, excessive urination (especially at night), headache, fatigue, and lethargy. Call your doctor if you feel this way.

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If, in the absence of symptoms of coronavirus, you need a planned consultation with your doctor about diabetes, look for the opportunity to get it by phone or online, avoiding a personal visit.

Should pregnant women worry?

There is no reason yet to say that pregnant women (and their children) are at risk, but doctors still advise expectant mothers to take special care. Like other people, they should do everything possible to avoid infection. They should also “particularly strictly” avoid social contact, official advice says.

Healthcare workers are advised of the following:

If you are less than 28 weeks pregnant and have no underlying health conditions, you should maintain social distancing but can continue to work. If possible, do not care for patients suspected of having coronavirus. Weigh the risks carefully and use protective equipment.

If you are more than 28 weeks pregnant or, regardless of pregnancy, have chronic medical conditions (e.g. heart disease, lung disease, etc.), avoid direct contact with patients.

Do I smoke or am I at risk?

Deborah Arnott, chairman of the Ash Charity Medical Organization, advises those who smoke a lot to break this habit or at least reduce tobacco consumption. This will reduce the risk of severe coronavirus.

“Smokers are more likely to get respiratory infections and are twice as likely as non-smokers to get pneumonia,” she explains. - No matter how you look at it, smoking is harmful to health; Therefore, let smokers see the coronavirus as an additional reason to quit this habit - and strengthen the body’s defenses now that this virus is actively spreading.”

What about the drugs that I take on an ongoing basis?

It is important that you take your usual medications, even if you have symptoms of a respiratory infection. If you are running out of supplies at this time and you need to bring medicine from the pharmacy, ask someone from your family or friends to do this.

Do I need to get a flu shot?

Coronavirus is not a flu virus, so getting vaccinated against it will not protect you from this infection. At the same time, influenza is also a serious illness that often causes complications.

If you haven’t yet been vaccinated against the flu, find an opportunity to do it now.

So how do I protect myself from the virus?

As far as is known, the virus spreads through coughing and infected surfaces, such as handrails and door handles in public places.

The main way to stop the virus is hygiene:

• Coughing or sneezing, cover your nose and mouth with a napkin or sleeve (not with your palm!).
• Throw away used disposable napkins immediately in the bin.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water; if this is not possible, use a disinfectant spray.
• Avoid contact with patients.
• Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth if you are unsure of the cleanliness of your hands.
• Maintain your level of physical activity - exercise at home or in your own yard if you live in a private home.

Need to use a mask?

Lung charity the British Lung Foundation does not recommend wearing masks “as they have no proven effectiveness. In addition, in the case of chronic lung disease, the mask makes it difficult for a person to breathe, which is already difficult.”

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