Care of Cancer patients during COVID-19 pandemic

 What is the need?

Cancer patients have compromised immune status, hence they are a more vulnerable group in the COVID-19 pandemic. People with a weakened immune system are more at risk of being seriously ill if they get infected with COVID-19. So, cancer patients may be at a higher risk of acquiring COVID-19 infection. They need to be extra careful with precautions to avoid contracting infection. 

Who are at high risk?

Cancer patients who are currently undergoing treatment. They include

• Patients undergoing active chemotherapy
• Patients undergoing immunotherapy or other ongoing antibody-based treatment
• Patients undergoing other targeted therapies

General precautions for cancer patients:

• Wash your hands with soap & water or sanitize them with alcohol-based hand rub thoroughly & regularly.
• Maintain at least 1 meter (3 feet) distance from others.
• Regularly sanitize the frequently touched surfaces.
• Avoid going to crowded places & stay at home.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose & mouth.
• Make sure people around you follow good respiratory hygiene.
• If you develop any symptoms like fever, cough, difficulty in breathing, chest pain, throat pain, diarrhea, abdominal pain, call your doctor, report to the nearest health center & follow the instructions given.
• Take care of your diet & nutrition as directed by your doctor.
• Continue doing moderate exercises as directed by your doctor.
•  To minimize hospital visits, keep an adequate stock of medicine & consumables at home.
• Keep the numbers of people who can help you in the time of need.

References:

1. Guidelines for cancer patients during COVID-19 pandemic, National health mission, Tamil Nadu.
2. https://www.esmo.org/guidelines/cancer-patient-management-during-the-covid-19-pandemic#:~:text=For%20all%20patients%20(A%20and,and%20relatives%20with%20COVID%
3. https://www.asterbangalore.com/blog/cancer-care-during-covid-best-cancer-hospital-aster-cmi-442D19
4. http://www.indianjcancer.com/article.asp?issn=0019-509X;year=2020;volume=57;issue=2;spage=218;epage=220;aulast=Adhikari
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7256336/
6. https://www.alimentarium.org/en/magazine/nutrition/what-exactly-balanced-meal photo credit
7. https://www.cleveland.com/open/2020/08/ohio-coronavirus-cases-up-1296-friday-update.html photo credit