Health > Cancer Care Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
3rd Jun 2020
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Cancer Care Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Risk of contracting coronavirus for a cancer patient:

Since this infection is contagious, anyone who is exposed to it has the risk of getting infected.

People who are undergoing chemotherapy have a weak immune system because they are immunocompromised and the risk of contracting this illness becomes high.

Chemotherapy can stop the bone marrow from making white blood cells (WBC) which are an important part of our immune system hence, reducing the ability to fight these infections.

Higher levels of precautions need to be taken if somebody is undergoing treatment for cancer, especially during appointments. Healthcare professionals should be notified on priority and also an assessment of the risk of getting exposed to viruses should be checked.

Some treatments can be delayed and some can’t. Only after understanding and weighing the risks of infection, treatments should be scheduled.

Oral cancer drugs can be bought and administered at home rather than visiting the hospital.

Also, coping with cancer and the scare of coronavirus may lead to substantial stress and feelings that you are not used to dealing with. Talk to your health provider and find ways to cope up with the stress.

Risk of contracting coronavirus for a cancer survivor:

Cancer survivors may also have weakened immune systems which increases the risk of contracting coronavirus. Cancer survivors should take help from their health providers to understand it more.

More Vulnerable Groups:

Enlisted below are groups that are more prone to getting infected and hence, must remain over-cautious.

  • Patients undergoing chemotherapy.
  • Patients undergoing radical radiotherapy for lung cancer
  • Patients undergoing immunotherapy
  • Patients having targeted cancer treatments which affect immunity
  • Patients who had bone marrow or stem cell transplant in the last 6 months & are on immunosuppression drugs

How to protect yourself during this time?

To safeguard oneself, here are a few points to keep in mind. Like anyone else, what matters is keeping ourselves safe.

  1. Follow all the guidelines given by the government
  2. Stay at home as much as possible.
  3. Ensure having access to medications & supplies so you don’t have to go out frequently.
  4. Clean & disinfect frequently touched spaces.
  5. If you go out, maintain social distance and wear a mask.
  6. Avoid crowded places
  7. If you see any symptom, contact your healthcare provider cancer advice line, or chemotherapy helpline.

These times may be tough but caution can help us sail through these times. Like any other ailment, even those affected by cancer have chances of catching this infection, but if taken care, it is manageable.

Emoha is a community for elders by those who love them and we make sure that our elders have access to trained caregivers and a whole host of other benefits that ensure a tension free and fulfilled life to our elders. Providing post-operative care under our Smart Home Care Plan ensures quality care and support to elders.

To know more about our plans, please visit www.emoha.com or call us on 1800-123-44-5555.