The COVID-19 pandemic is spreading undeterred and increasing number of cases are being recorded every day. While the disease can affect any individual, it poses a bigger threat to those with certain pre-existing conditions such as lung diseases, asthma, heart disease, severe obesity, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and liver disease. People with these conditions are more susceptible to developing severe symptoms of COVID-19, which may prove to be fatal.

Suggestions for cancer patients

Chemotherapy or radiation therapy can put cancer patients at a greater risk of COVID-19 infection. Patients with blood or bone marrow malignancies are also at a higher risk of developing COVID-19, which could even lead to fatality.

Doctors at AMRI Hospitals are addressing and managing such issues among patients by using telemedicine and limiting their visits as much as possible, particularly for oncology patients. The hospital has put special emphasis on guidance for chemotherapy patients, bone marrow and stem cell transplantation recipients, surgical patients, and radiation therapy patients in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, it is also upto the patients to safeguard themselves by taking all the necessary precautions at home and while travelling.

A word of advice for pregnant women

Respiratory illnesses can prove to be dangerous during pregnancy. Although it is still unclear whether if COVID-19 impacts the health of pregnant women in the same way, it is advised to take precautions and delay the appointments as much as possible, without putting yourself at risk. Pregnant women can rather go for a video call with their doctor or simply reduce the number of visits if they are in the initial stages of pregnancy.

Tackling chronic kidney diseases

Patients with chronic kidney diseases are at an increased risk of developing severe COVID-19 symptoms that may lead to a number of problems. Proteinuria, hematuria, and elevated serum creatinine are also associated with a greater risk of death.

It is important for patients of chronic kidney disease to be more careful and take all the necessary precautions to beat COVID-19. However, if you develop COVID-like symptoms, do not panic; talk to your doctor immediately and follow the guidelines properly.