Autoimmune Patients at Higher Risk of Coronavirus Infections
According to experts, autoimmune disease patients with inflammatory arthritis and Lupus may be more susceptible to the coronavirus. “It is certainly concerning for everyone, especially those who are immunocompromised. We need to exercise more caution and be more alert with these patients,” says Nilanjana Bose, MD, MBA, a rheumatologist at the Rheumatology Center of Houston in Pearland, Texas.
According to Dr. Jean Liew of the University in Washington, Seattle, patients with autoimmune disorders are more susceptible to coronavirus and other infections because of existing autoimmune conditions and the medication prescribed to patients, which suppresses the immune system.
“In general those on medications which suppress the immune system are going to be at heightened risk for infection as well as a severe risk of symptoms if they do get it, “ Liew told Creaky Joints.
The Lupus Research Foundation also issued a statement that people with Lupus are at higher risk of infections because of both their disease as well as the medications they take to manage it.
Here are some recommendations for patients with inflammatory arthritis and Lupus which can to prevent coronavirus and other viral infections.
Autoimmune Disease Patients Should Limit Travel
The CDC recommends that people with risk health conditions should not travel on cruises or on long plane rides where the risk of person-to-person spread is high. High-risk patients should also avoid crowds and gatherings with large numbers of people because the airborne virus can be contracted if an infected person coughs or sneezes within three to six feet.
Patients with high-risk of susceptibility should remain watchful for the following symptoms: low-grade fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, vomiting and diarrhea, aches and pains, and pneumonia.
Medical experts warn that while autoimmune patients are more susceptible, they should not panic. The typical flu still remains to be a more significant threat for most patients with inflammatory arthritis compared to the coronavirus.
Who Should Be Tested?
The CDC recommends corona testing for patients who have the above symptoms AND are known to have had close contact with someone who’s had lab-confirmed coronavirus or traveled to an area with the virus transmission like Japan, China, Japan, Italy, South Korea, or Iran. Patients who have a fever and severe acute lower respiratory illness such as pneumonia and respiratory distress that requires hospitalization also should be tested.
Hydration Helps To Boost Immunity
In addition to proper hygiene, such as regular handwashing, avoiding handshakes, and using tissues after sneezing and coughing, lifestyle habits can help your immune system to function optimally and fight the virus. One of the easiest ways to boost your immune system is by staying hydrated. Proper hydration can prevent infections and increase your body’s ability to eliminate toxins and bacteria which cause infections.
Hydrus’ electrolyte restoring nanosome technology makes it one of the effective methods of hydrating the body without upsetting the autoimmune system. Hydrus is made of a specialized delivery system that uses nanosome technology to boost the absorption of electrolytes into the body’s fluid systems: the bloodstream, lymphatic system, and interstitial water cavities. Learn how Hydrus works faster than other hydration drinks and tablets to boost hydration. Here are five ways to boost immunity and prevent coronavirus and other infections.
