How to protect yourself?
There is currently no data that specifically speaks to how persons with sickle cell disease will be affected by this virus. Persons with sickle cell disease are however considered immunocompromised and should therefore take every precaution to protect themselves from exposure.
There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
Prevention measures include:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are ill
- Self-distance as much as possible.
- Stay home when you are ill. Work from home if you can.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then immediately throw the tissue in the garbage and wash your hands.
- If you don’t have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve or arm.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces – including cell phones and computer keyboards.
- Continue to take all your medication.
- Keep your appointments with your Haematologist (unless otherwise instructed) but call ahead if you are having fever or new respiratory symptoms.
WE URGE YOU TO LISTEN TO REPUTABLE NEWS SOURCES AND AVOID UNRELIABLE SOCIAL MEDIA INFORMATION WITHOUT FACT-CHECKING THE SOURCE FIRST.
Here are some reputable websites with regular updates:
World Health Organization (WHO)
Centre for Disease Control (CDC)