Covid-19 virus has created a worldwide pandemic. It has brought stagnancy in every sphere of our life from economy to education. But the virus has unleashed its most lethal impact on patients having one or more comorbidity factors and patients with cancer or cardio problems. Cancer patients are already at a higher risk of getting the disease and succumbing to it. This is simply because the big ‘C’ is the biggest immune-suppressing factor.
In this blog, we will try to shed light on the risk for cancer patients to develop Covid -19 and how they can take best care and precautions during such a time of turbulence.
Risk for Cancer Patients
According to the best cancer hospitals in India, the cancer patients, who are undergoing active cancer treatment, are at a higher risk of developing covid-19. This is because their immune systems have already been compromised by cancer and active treatment.
Patients with lung or heart disease, diabetes are at a higher risk of experiencing severe complications after they fall prey to Coronavirus. Cancer patients, who completed their treatment a few years ago, have most likely their immune system repaired. However, each patient is unique and so taking precautionary measures is very important for everyone including cancer patients. The majority of patients with a stronger immune system will experience mild complications.
How to Prevent the Risk?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization recommend some guidelines for everyone to follow to reduce the risk of developing covid-19. These include:
● Use soap and water for 20 seconds to wash your hands very often, especially if you have been to a public place.
● Make it a habit to wash your hands properly after every time you cough, sneeze or blow your nose.
● Use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing.
● You can also use a hand sanitizer if you are traveling and so cannot use soap or water until you reach your destination.
● Not all sanitizers will help. Use a sanitizer that has at least 60 percent alcohol in its composition.
● Apply a few drops of sanitizer over your hands, rub those together and allow them to get dry.
● Avoid touching any part of your face without washing your hands properly.
● Follow the rule of social distancing whenever you go out. Maintain at least six feet of distance from others and avoid close contact with sick people.
● Take rest at home if you do not feel well. Talk to your doctor immediately.
● Consult with your oncologist whether you should take a vaccine.
● Clean and disinfect doorknobs, tables, light switches, handles, desks, mobile phone, keyboards, faucets, sinks, toilets, keyboard, and other frequently touched surfaces.
The doctors at the best oncology hospital in Kolkata always suggest that prevention is better than cure for cancer patients. The best way to conquer covid-19 is not to get the disease at all.