The occurence of the past few weeks caused by the Corona Virus are new, challenging and scary for all of us. That is precisely why it is important to keep calm, to follow the instructions of federal governments, and only to leave the house to do the necessary grocery shopping.
We reiceived many questions regarding an increased risk for NF patients. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Amedeo Azizi, head of the NF Children’s Expertise Center in Austria, addresses this statement:
Statement COVID-19
Due to the pandemic with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus and the associated disease COVID-19, there is great uncertainty. Of course, this applies all the more to people (or their relatives) who suffer from a pre-existing underlying disease. Please pay attention to official statements of your Federal Government!
1. Are people with Neurofibromatosis Type1, Type 2 and Schwannomatosis at increased risk of developing COVID-19?
There are no scientific studies that have examined a connection. However, there is no evidence that people with NF1, NF2 or schwannomatosis develop more or more viral infections than people without these underlying diseases. It can therefore be assumed that the risk of developing COVID-19 is the same as that of the rest of the population.
Nevertheless, COVID-19 can lead to severe courses or even deaths, especially in elderly persons and people with previous illnesses (currently it is assumed that around 81% are only mildly ill, 14% have a severe course and 5% are critically ill).
Therefore, please follow the measures initiated by your government, which are continuously updated!
Avoid all unnecessary social contacts and contact your national health advice service hotline, if you experience a fever and cough or other respiratory complaints!
2. Are people at chemotherapy at increased risk of developing COVID-19?
People with a weakened immune system have an increased risk of contracting infectious diseases – this also applies to people who receive chemotherapy. Depending on the type of cancer therapy, the immune deficiency is very different. In any case, it is imperative that people undergoing chemotherapy stop all social contacts that are not essential to life and, if possible, go into domestic isolation in order to avoid contact with virus carriers. Further oncological therapy should take place during the COVID-19 pandemic in consultation with the treating physicians.
If fever and cough or other respiratory complaints occur, it is essential to call your national health advice service and urgently contact the treating physician. Depending on the severity of the complaint or if the outcome is fulminant, contact the national emergency number or 112. Be sure to describe the symptoms and the fact that you or your loved one is receiving chemotherapy!
STAY SAFE! STAY HOME!
You can find out more about the Coronavirus here:
Latest information by European Union
Here you find the latest information and EU guidelines on science-based and coordinated risk management measures:
https://ec.europa.eu/info/live-work-travel-eu/health/coronavirus-response
Research on Coronavirus
Here you find up-to-date scientific information about the Coronavirus. It is the most comprehensive resource on the subject:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/research/coronavirus/
