The world has been struck by a killer virus: COVID-19. What is COVID-19 and what role does it play when it comes to those of us with Inflammatory Bowel Disease aka IBD.
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a type of coronavirus that affects the respiratory tract. Some pf the symptoms include fever, cough, pneumonia, and shortness of breath. The less common symptoms are fatigue, muscle ache and headaches.
What is Coronavirus?
Coronavirus is a classification of viruses that cause respiratory distress, like SARS and MERS. Think of it like using the term dog to describe a pitbull. Sometime there is no symptoms.
How does COVID-19 affect people with IBD?
People with weaken immune systems are at risk. During a study of 41 cases of people with COVID-19 and IBD it showed it affecting all ages and more men than women. Symptoms shown 10% had diarrhea and 50% had both digestive symptoms and COVID-19 symptoms.
Risk list- https://www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/news/advice-for-people-with-crohns-and-colitis-self-isolation-social-distancing
CCFA- https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/coronavirus/what-ibd-patients-should-know
What puts us at risk?
Immunesuppressant medication lowers our immune system to help our overactive body/gut heal itself causing us to be more susceptible to viruses.
How is the virus transmitted?
When we come in contact with the virus, it enters out cells through a receptor in the lining of the respiratory and digestive tract where it then replicates in our cells.
Preventive action.
1. Avoid close contact with anyone with is sick
2. Don't touch your nose, eyes and mouth til you wash your hands
3. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer
4. Social distancing 6ft
5. COVER your mouth or sneeze!
6. Stay in touch with your health care team
7. Stay on your meds unless instructed by your doctor.
Coping with stress and anxiety.
1. Turn off new and media for a while
2. Plan
3. Set a schedule
4. https://livinglife-ibdstyle.tumblr.com/post/613789414104104960/things-to-do-during-this-quarantine
5. Seek advice
6. Meditate or read
7. Coping mechanisms
A. Cook favorite meal
B. Relaxing bath
C. Mindful breathing
D. Sit outside
E. Talk to family and friends
Hope you all stay healthy and safe.
Xoxo S.R.
