COVID 19 – YET ANOTHER CHALLENGE FOR CANCER PATIENTS

COVID 19 – YET ANOTHER CHALLENGE FOR CANCER PATIENTS

Cancer patients are 10 times more susceptible to this novel virus as compared to any other normal person, therefore they need to be extra careful.

Jaipur – Whatever a disease is, it definitely affects the immune system of a person and if the disease is cancer than the patient’s immunity deteriorates to the core. Therefore current global pandemic of corona virus is more harmful for the one afflicted from cancer. “People suffering from blood cancer are extremely prone to COVID 19. Besides, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy , immunotherapy or the ones who underwent a cancer surgery or a bone marrow transplant need to take special precautions to keep themselves safe during this crisis.” explains Dr. Nitin Diwedi, Neuro Onco surgeon at Bhagwan Mahaveer Cancer Hospital & Research Centre, Jaipur by listing five imperative measures.

Don’t discontinue any medicine without consulting a doctor.

Whichever cancer you are suffering from, please continue to take the medicines prescribed by the doctor. Especially if the patient undergoing chemotherapy or immunotherapy finds any difficulty in consuming any of the medicine than you can consult your doctor over a call or an email.

Even for a routine cold-cough, you should consult a doctor.

Weather is changing and therefore the problem of cold and cough is quite common in the current times. But it is important for a cancer patient or a cancer survivor to consult their doctor for this common flu, to avoid any further complications. Cold-cough is one of the primary symptoms of COVID-19 and hence can’t be avoided at all.

Stay home, stay safe

Staying in isolated clean place and zero socializing is the best remedy to keep yourself and others away from this pandemic. That’s the reason Mr. NarendraModi has appealed all Indian citizens via national lockdown to stay at home. Keeping the severity in mind cancer patients should remain in quarantine because if they encounter an infected person than there are 10 times more chances of them getting infected as compared to any other non-cancer person. Patient suffering from blood cancer (Hodgkin Lymphoma, AML, ALL & multiple Myloma) should be extra careful.

It’s imperative to have a proper daily routine

An adequate daily routine can help one increase his/her immunity. During lock down you can’t go out for a workout but you can do a basic 45mins workout at home. Consumption of turmeric, basil and food rich in Vitamin C can definitely boost your immune system. All of this will make you stronger from inside and help you to effectively fight out this virus.

Take special care of hygiene

In these unusual it’s imperative to take very good care of personalhygiene as well as cleanliness at large. One should bathe every day without fail and should properly wash the garments after being used ones. Even if you are at home, you should wash your hands atleast 20 times a day. Don’t touch your eyes, nose and mouth and strictly follow the advisory given by WHO.