Are Neuropathy Patients Prepared For The Corona Virus?
Although published in March 2020, today's short post written by Ezekiel Lim (see link below) describes the current situation regarding Covid-19 and its relationship to neuropathy perfectly well. Not much has changed since March then...at least on the face of it...yet we all know the world has possibly been changed forever as a consequence of the spread of the virus. Nevertheless, the advice given here is both relevant and useful and remains a good base to work from in the midst of the chaos Corona has caused. People with other serious conditions (including neuropathy) have a responsibility to follow the guidelines to protect others but...let's face it... our first responsibility is looking after ourselves. You may think from the images of people thronging to the beaches and bars and generally ignoring social distancing, that the crisis is over its peak. Far from it folks! This virus is here to stay and a cure may never be found (just look at HIV for instance) so learning how best to live with it is crucial. There's no room at all for complacency (take note Mr President) because the virus ignores social and national boundaries - like any virus, it will take advantage from any drop in our guard and be under no illusion...it's people who spread the virus...the virus itself just hitches a ride. Above all, it's dangerous and can make you seriously ill and if you're one of the unlucky ones...it can kill you too.
This article is worth a read, if only as a reminder to take the necessary precautions.
By
now the virus that causes COVID-19 has expanded to numerous countries,
causing a global crisis. Because older people and those with pre-existing
health conditions are at a higher risk of getting sick due to the virus, it is important for patients with familial amyloid polyneuropathy and peripheral neuropathy symptoms to practice diligence and to adopt precautionary measures such as social distancing and self-quarantining.
Caregivers and family members may be required to help neuropathy
patients manage social distancing and self-quarantining methods to
prevent the potential transmission of the virus to the patient.
While more information regarding the coronavirus surfaces daily, the
new strain is somewhat mysterious by nature. However, some commonly
known high-risk factors include lung disease, heart disease, and
diabetes. Peripheral neuropathy symptoms may be caused by diabetes, so
patients and their caregivers must not take any chances with potentially
coming into contact with the virus.
Managing the coronavirus quarantine
If possible, those with familial amyloid polyneuropathy or any other
neurodegenerative disease must be diligent in washing their hands
frequently and practicing social distancing. Caregivers also must be
diligent in washing their hands and avoiding close contact with other
people to minimize the potential transfer of the virus.
Patients who live with family members should entrust all food
shopping and essential errands to relatives or caregivers. If at all
possible, patients, caregivers, and family members should consider
having food and groceries delivered to the home. This may minimize the
potential for a patient to become infected.
In my family, my relatives have taken the necessary steps to stock my
mother-in-law’s home with groceries and essential items. My
mother-in-law has stocked up on masks to protect herself from any
droplets and airborne particles that may present the risk of infection,
even inside the house.
For patients and caregivers, masks, soap, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes may offer peace of mind inside the home.
Maintaining mental and physical health
Because those with preexisting conditions are particularly at risk,
neuropathy patients and caregivers should err on the side of caution
when taking preventive measures to limit potential exposure to the
coronavirus. Patients may also want to ensure that they are maintaining a
healthy diet and good mental health.
With the uncertainty of the times, patients still may want to
interact with friends, family, and their support communities, even if it
is by phone, Skype, or other software.
What are you doing to prepare for COVID-19? Please share in the comments below.
Note: FAP News Today
is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does
not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not
intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis,
or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other
qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a
medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay
in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The
opinions expressed in this column are not those of FAP News Today
or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark
discussion about issues pertaining to familial amyloid polyneuropathy.
https://fapnewstoday.com/2020/03/18/coronavirus-covid-19-social-distancing-neuropathy/
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