Coronavirus (COVID-19) is still very new at this time.
Over two million Canadians have an autoimmune disorder. So far it seems like the virus does not target people with autoimmune disorders unless they are on immunosuppressants. This includes treatment for autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis (MS) and inflammatory bowel diseases. Such people should be very careful at this time. Not all people with autoimmune disorders should be considered at risk unless they on immunosuppressants or if their disease is life-threatening as it is.
Bear in mind, this does not mean you should not stay safe even if you are not on immunosuppressant medication. People with life-threatening and/or chronic disorders should all be on high alert for a number of reasons. This is a serious situation that requires diligence for all of us. There are many ways COVID-19 can indirectly be a problem for anybody with a medical condition.
Many autoimmune diseases require regular treatment of some kind. Make sure you stock up on any required medication in this time of social distancing and self quarantining.
Somebody with Behcet’s, for example, may not be on medication daily, but can suddenly be in a very dire situation if they have an episode and don’t have access to their prescribed medication or worse, no prescription and no access to their rheumatologist.
There is also the risk of COVID-19 triggering existing autoimmune disorders. It has been shown that viruses and infections that affect the immune system can activate autoimmune symptoms. Behcet’s, in particular, can also be triggered by stress, and worrying about a global pandemic can be stressful.
Studies have linked these types of viruses, and even similar pandemics like SARS, to a rise in Rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. Studies suggest that if someone has the predisposition that they may start to show signs of autoimmune disease following contracting the virus.
As of March 20th 2020, they are 875 cases of Corona Virus in Canada, out of that there are 12 deaths.
More research comes out daily. Stay safe.
https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/at-risk-groups.html
https://www.rheumatologynetwork.com/slideshows/news-roundup-coronavirus-and-autoimmune-disease
https://bindevevssykdommer.no/en/coronavirus-og-revmatisk-sykdom/
https://www.ibtimes.com/autoimmune-disease-covid-19-are-you-high-risk-2942769
https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/country/canada/
http://www.stmichaelshospital.com/media/detail.php?source=hospital_news/2019/0821
WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN!
