KNOW ABOUT CORONAVIRUS AND ITS EFFECTS IN DETAIL

Coronavirus: Why Cancer Patients, Survivors, and Caregivers Need to know more about it?

Have you heard about the coronavirus? I hope you must hear about it. The world is very anxious about this disease and every part of the world is working to find out the cure of coronavirus. This post describes coronavirus and what to do to avoid it

The recent occurrence of Coronavirus in China caused a global concern and it was originated from a seafood or meat market. Breathing problem is the major problem caused by the novel corona virus (named 2019-nCoV). Coronavirus was initially restricted to the six cities of China but in the recent times, it has been spread to the other parts of the world. On January 30, 2020, the WHO declared the outbreak a “public health emergency of international concern.” Indian government is taking full-fledged preventive measures with respect to the coronavirus outbreak.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that range from the common cold to much more serious diseases. 2019-nCoV is a new strain of coronavirus which has not been previously identified in humans.

If you are cancer patient or a survivor or a care giver you must know something more about the Corona Virus. It is important to understand the corona virus first. There are several types of coronavirus circulating in the world and most of them do not cause severe diseases. Sometimes, a person suffers from cold or the sniffles, then it is likely possible that person may have already been exposed to a coronavirus. However, some important things cancer patients must know about coronaviruses, including the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) that was first identified in Hubei province of China.

What is a coronavirus?

Human corona virus is a family of virus that are present throughout the world. Among the various types, seven are seven commonly known. Among these seven viruses, four viruses known as 229E, NL63, OC43 and HKU1 cause only mild or moderate upper-respiratory illness, such as the common cold. According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention), mostly people get infected with one of these common types of coronavirus in their lifetime.

Why 2019 novel coronavirus different?

Sometimes as an unusual case, a coronavirus from animals may evolve and become a “jump species” and infects humans. These viruses then can cause more severe infections and diseases in humans, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).

The latest COVID-19 respiratory disease that originated in Wuhan is believed to be the latest example of animal-to-person spread. Those patients who suffered from cancer and survived has compromised immune systems, and the reporting of this diseases may likely be source of anxiety. Human immune system is made up of cells, tissues, and organs. It is your body’s defense mechanism against infections and sickness caused due to invaders like bacteria or viruses est.

Compromised immune system which is also referred to as immune suppressed or immune compromised state means that your body supports a weakened immune response to invading organisms.  A compromised immune system makes you more susceptible to viruses and bacteria’s and so the people who have undergone cancer treatment including surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy Bone marrow transplants etc. have a compromised or suppressed immune system which means weak defence against infections including viruses. When you get an infection, the body produces cytokines which help to control and direct the immune system to the infection but a compromised immune system after or during cancer treatment is not so strong and well-functioning. Viral infection is a common problem during cancer treatment and patients are at a bigger risk of infection due to weak defence against infection.

According to a recent research article in the Lancet Oncology journal, Chinese medical researchers have found that patients with cancer are more vulnerable to infection of the novel coronavirus. The article stated that malignancy and anticancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or surgery causes systemic immunosuppressive state which might put the cancer patients might at an increased risk of the novel coronavirus and such patients might also have a poorer prognosis.

Novel Corona virus is a global concern and not just people with compromised immune system, but everyone shall be aware of it to stop more damage to human life. This virus has already taken thousand lives and it is advisable to everyone shall be careful and protect themselves from all respiratory infections and prevent the spread of disease by:

1. Avoid close contact with people who are sick or infected

2. Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

3. Wash your hands frequently with soap. The usage of alcohol-based sanitizer or antiseptic gel is advisable.

4. Avoid being in crowded areas and around ill people.

5. Don’t consume the raw or under-cooked animal products.

6. Always cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

7. Always clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe

The WHO recommends that if you have mild respiratory symptoms and no travel history to or within China, cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, sanitize the objects and surfaces you touch, and to stay at home until you are recovered, if possible. If you have recently visited China and develop flu like symptoms you must consult the doctors immediately.

Disclaimer

*All the images have been taken from the google.

*The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Share: