Coronavirus Prevention for Cancer Patients and Their Caregivers
While the coronavirus’ fatality rate is considered low, about 2 percent, we do know that individuals with existing health conditions like cancer will be at greater risk for more severe infection and additional complications.
Coronavirus (also known as COVID-19), like the flu and pneumonia, is an illness of the respiratory system. Anyone with cancer, undergoing treatment for cancer or recovering from that treatment will be at higher risk for complications for this illness.
Here is some of our doctors’ advice that anyone with compromised immunity or coexisting health conditions will find helpful:
Coronavirus Spread Among Cancer Patients
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person, between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. You can help stop the spread of germs by always covering your coughs, washing your hands and personal items like phones and keyboards thoroughly and frequently and avoiding touching your face. These steps not only help prevent you from spreading germs, but also minimize your contact with others’ germs. Also maintain healthy eating and exercise, manage your stress and protect your sleep.
Doctor’s Advice: This isn’t a time to panic: practice good hygiene, social distancing and protect your health.
Coronavirus Incubation & Symptoms in Cancer Patients
The incubation period for coronavirus is 2-14 days, and the symptoms are fever, cough and shortness of breath. If you note these, it’s wise to follow CDC advice which is call your doctor immediately and let them know you’d like to come in for testing. With current CDC guidelines recommending avoidance of gatherings of 10 or more, and with more recent guidelines lowering this number to 10 or less, you should restrict activities outside your home, except for urgent medical care, separate yourself from others and stay home as much as possible.
Doctor’s Advice: Practice self-awareness and report anything that seems off or different about your health.
Cancer Treatment through Coronavirus
If someone with cancer does contract coronavirus, we may need to suspend or delay their cancer treatments to protect their immune system, which is already working overtime, to support their long-term health. We’ll also want to know if anyone in your household or immediate networks (family you saw last week, your neighbor, dental hygienist or other healthcare provider) has contracted the virus.
Doctor’s Advice: Keep your entire care team advised if anyone you know has contracted or is being monitored or tested for the virus.
We encourage you to call us at 850-610-3743, ask us a question, or consult with us to get a second opinion, so you too can experience the TBRO difference.