Coronavirus (COVID-19)

What Cancer Patients Should Know About COVID-19

Why do people with Cancer have more risk of contracting or getting COVID-19?

It is true that at a global level, we are all concerned about one thing: the crisis caused by the new Coronavirus. However, if you are a cancer patient, or have recently finished treatment or have a family member with Cancer under your care, you undoubtedly have specific concerns that the rest of the population does not.

The virus caused by COVID-19 is a threat to the health of any person, of any social stratum, nationality, sex or age, however, there are sectors of the population who are considered to be more vulnerable not to being infected but to how their body might react if they contract the virus because they are immunocompromised.

Why do people with Cancer have more risk of contracting or getting COVID-19?

Although there is not much complete and official information about how the Coronavirus acts in patients with Cancer, with the data we know so far, the infection is more aggressive in patients with Cancer.

For cancer patients that due to the constant treatment, they are exposed to have a depressed Immune System that increases the risk and makes them more vulnerable to infections.

Also, depending on the type of Cancer, some organs such as the lungs or the kidneys are affected, reducing support for serious diseases.

Those types of Cancer in the blood, such as leukemia, considerably affect the immune system making them more vulnerable to the virus, and the symptoms can be aggravated.

Do people with cancer have the same symptoms of Coronavirus as the general population?

Some symptoms of this disease are still varied, however dry cough, difficulty in breathing and high fever is the main constant symptoms.

Generally, a patient with cancer should have these same symptoms, although some people with cancer may not develop a high fever because they have been exposed to immunosuppressive treatments.

Should people with Cancer take more precautions than the general population?

People with Cancer, family members living in the same house, or taking care of them, or anyone else who is close to them, should be extra careful and take the same precautions as the general population.

Prevention tips

Avoid crowded places and apply social distancing.
Correct use of the Face Mask read all about how to use it in this blog.
Wash your hands several times during the day with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
After touching surfaces in public places, use a 70% alcohol-based antibacterial gel to keep your hands clean.
Regularly clean those surfaces that are frequently touched in your home.
Eat healthy to keep your immune system stimulated.
Limit your consumption of alcohol and sugary drinks.
Do not smoke. You can increase your risk of becoming seriously ill.
Exercise or be physically active for at least half an hour a day if you are an adult and one hour a day for children.
Avoid meeting more people, indoors, or outdoors, especially temporarily avoid contact with older people altogether.
If possible, ask someone else to shop at the grocery store or pick up medicine you might need so you don't get exposed.
Sleep well, proper rest is the key to optimal health

Don't forget to keep in touch with your specialist Doctor to receive more specific and timely information about your type of Cancer and the current pandemic situation we are experiencing.

And finally, please do not worry, follow the measures of isolation, social distancing, and frequent hand washing and you will be fine. At BlueNetHospitals we can help you!

We have taken special measures to make our Hospital space free of Coronavirus (COVID-19) so that we can safely provide you with the support and services you need. Call us and we will gladly assist you.

And remember: Get tested!

Where can I get a test for COVID-19 in Los Cabos? Visit our link to find more information about it.

Why is COVID-19 testing important? COVID-19 testing is an important way to protect your family, your community, and yourself.

It will save lives!

BlueNetHospitals - Hospital Los Cabos
BlueNet Hospitals