How To Prevent COVID-19 In Cancer Patients?

Introduction

It is very important that everyone need to be cautious about COVID-19, especially immuno-suppressed immunosuppressed individuals who have weaker immune systems making them more prone to infections. Once they get infected, they often have the worst outcomes. This article will guide through the ways to prevent COVID-19 in cancer patients.

What Is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a disease caused by a novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. This virus is solely responsible for this global pandemic. Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause upper respiratory tract infections like the common cold. It also causes serious lower respiratory infections such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).

What Are the Symptoms of COVID-19?

There is a wide range of symptoms. Some do not experience any symptoms and remain asymptomatic, whereas few experience symptoms like,

• Fever.

• Loss of smell and taste.

• Shortness of breath.

• Runny nose.

• Cough.

• Headache.

• Body pain.

• Chills.

• Fatigue.

• Nausea and vomiting.

• Diarrhea.

People will experience the symptoms after 3 to 7 days of exposure. It can even extend to 14 days. Reports say that 40 % of people remain asymptomatic though the exact number is still uncertain. Since most of the population is vaccinated, the shot is found to minimize the COVID-19 effects and thus many asymptomatic cases are reported now.

How Does COVID-19 Spread Between People?

The virus can spread from the infected person’s mouth or nose when the person coughs or sneezes. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets. There are reports saying that viruses are transmitted between people who are in close contact or within a distance of 1 meter. The virus can also spread on touching surfaces that are contaminated with the virus.

Who Are More Prone To COVID-19?

Anyone can get infected with COVID-19, but people with other health illnesses are at a higher risk. People with health illnesses like,

• Cancer.

• Chronic kidney disease.

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

• Hypertension.

• Heart illnesses.

Why Are People With Cancer More Prone To COVID-19?

People with cancer are more susceptible to infections as they will have a weakened immune system. Cancer itself or cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or immunotherapy can weaken the immune system. There are some factors that can increase the risk of infections along with cancer, like age, history of smoking, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and other cardiac illnesses.

What Are the Challenges Faced by the People With Cancer Patients During This Pandemic?

The COVID-19 pandemic has initially resulted in unprecedented challenges to the treatment of cancer. Many medical appointments were abruptly canceled at the onset of the pandemic. Many routine cancer screenings were postponed or rescheduled in order to prioritize emergency care to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The fear of contracting the virus has resulted did result in a deep fall in screenings for cancer and treatments.

Data shows a decrease of about 80 to 90 % in screening for breast cancers, cervical cancers, and colorectal cancers compared to the times before COVID-19.

Is Cancer Screening Safe During This Pandemic?

Getting cancer screening during this pandemic situation depends on multiple factors, and it will not be the same for every cancer patient. If a person’s appointment for cancer screening got postponed, then they should consult with the healthcare professional and try to reschedule it. Do not delay it for too long. It is necessary to balance the concerns about limiting potential exposure to novel Coronavirus and as well as delivering the necessary medical care. There are recommendations that patients with potentially curable cancers should be treated according to the existing guidelines, including systemic therapies.

How To Prevent COVID-19 In Patients with Cancer?

The cancer treatments differ depending on the type of cancer, and it differs for each individual. Each individual’s immune system responds differently. Patients who are taking treatment for cancer or those who have completed their treatment need to follow some special precautions which will help them prevent infections from the virus.

• Wear a mask when a person is around people. You A person also need to wear a mask at home when someone is sick with the symptoms of COVID-19.

• Wash the hands frequently with soap and warm water once a person returns home.

• Make sure a person wash the hands after using the bathroom, after blowing the nose, or after sneezing.

• A person need to wash the hands before wearing mask and even after removing the mask.

• Wash the hands after visiting any public gathering or after touching items used or touched by others.

• A person need to carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer whenever they go outdoors.

• Clean the surfaces that are used by others, like door handles, lift switches, and public seating areas before and after using them with moist cleaning wipes.

• Stay away from people who are sick with the symptoms of COVID-19.

• Take a bath daily.

• Wash the groin and anal areas. Keep them clean.

• Do not get pedicures or manicures at salons or spas. Try to do it at home itself.

• Try to wear gloves when gardening or when a person need to touch the soil.

• Wash hands after taking off the gloves, as gloves can have tiny holes that a person may not be able to see.

• Try to avoid going out unnecessarily, or when a person cannot avoid the travel, do talk to the healthcare professional about the travel.

• Last but not least, get vaccinated as soon as possible. But make sure to contact the cancer doctor before getting one. Get assessed by the doctor and then proceed with vaccination based on their advice. Immunocompromised patients are advised to get booster shots too. Consult with the physician to decide on the time.

These are some ways a person can follow to protect themselves against the deadly virus.

What Are the Food Safety Precautions That Have To Be Followed To Prevent the Infections?

There are chances of picking up an infection from the foods. Food safety is one vital way to protect from infection. These are some food safety precautions:

• Wash the hands thoroughly before cooking or eating any food.

• Make sure the foods are cooked well so that they can kill any bacteria or viruses that may be present.

• Wash the fruits before having one.

• Take in a lot of green leafy vegetables.

• Try to take in a lot of foods that can help boost the immunity.

• Try to avoid refrigerated food items.

A person can consult the healthcare professional if need to follow a special diet during the treatment or when have any dietary concerns.

How Can Caregivers Protect Patients From Severe Illnesses?

• Get vaccinated and make sure every member in the family is vaccinated too.

• A person need to keep checking the temperatures of the patient. Keep the thermometers within easy reach and also make sure the patient knows where and how to use them in the absence.

• Do watch for the symptoms of COVID-19. If any, do contact the healthcare professional.

• Try to avoid outsiders or visitors during this pandemic time.

• Do watch whether prescribed medicines are taken as per the schedule.

• Offer plenty of fluids or follow the diet, if any, recommended by the healthcare professional.

Conclusion

COVID-19 is a highly infectious disease. If a person is taking any treatment or if they have taken any treatment for cancer, it is always better to talk to the healthcare professional about the risk of infection and understand the health condition. Cancer itself can increase the risk of infections. So it is very important to be cautious and to follow all the necessary guidelines.