Istanbul Okan University Hospital Chief Radiation Oncology Specialist. Lecturer. Member Tayfun Hancılar explained how cancer patients can be protected from coronavirus.
Daily New Death Cases
In the coming days, as in the whole world, the new coronavirus COVID-19 will pose a serious health threat. In fact, although the mortality rate is not very high for now, this disease, which has a very high spreading rate and most importantly remains infectious during the 14-day incubation period, has led countries to take serious measures.
Daily New Confirmed Cases
According to the data on 17.03.2020, 6456 of 167 571 new coronavirus cases announced worldwide have resulted in death, 76596 patients have recovered, that is, the mortality rate is 3.8%. However, the point to be considered is the risk increases in certain age groups and some diseases.
For example, the mortality rate of 3.6% between the ages of 60-70 and 11% over the age of 70 decreases to 1.3% under the age of 60 and 0.4% under the age of 50. In other words, the mortality rate in the young population is low.
Daily New Recovered Cases
However, regardless of the age of the person, if there is serious cardiovascular disease, the mortality rate due to coronavirus increases to 13.2% if there is diabetes, and to 9.2% in cancer patients.
As can be seen, the biggest risk is in people with cardiovascular disease. However, cancer patients are also a group that should pay attention.
Which cancer patients are at more serious risk?
Patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and multiple myeloma, all patients with bone marrow transplant patients, active chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiotherapy; are patients who need to be more careful about new coronavirus protection. Considering the effects of the disease on the lung, our patients with COPD and lung cancer diseases should be more careful.
Does the risk continue in cancer patients who have completed treatment?
Of course; The risk of patients who have completed cancer treatment and regained health is much lower. However, the effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy on the immune system can sometimes take longer than expected. Therefore; these patients should keep their attention at the highest level for 2 months after the treatment.
What are the ways to protect against the new coronavirus COVID-19?
Our patients who are undergoing active chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiotherapy should NOT interrupt their treatment. They should continue their treatment regularly by living in accordance with the necessary precautions. We especially recommend patients with cancer who are under treatment to stay away from closed areas as much as possible. It is unnecessary to wear a mask as there is no risk of spreading the virus in the open air, but we recommend wearing a mask that covers the mouth and nose area, which should be covered in closed spaces (buses, trains, movie theaters, shopping malls, sports areas, restaurants, etc.).
Solutions containing at least 60 percent alcohol should be used
Naturally, since the hand contact is inevitable, your hands; It is necessary to take care not to contact the face and mouth, nose. Washing hands frequently with soap for at least 20 seconds or using solutions or disinfectants containing 60 percent alcohol are essential for protection.
“Patients can tour outdoors”
We recommend our patients undergoing cancer treatment to avoid traveling abroad as much as possible. We suggest that cancer patients whose treatment is still ongoing, even if there are no signs of disease, that the new coronavirus carriers remain infectious during the incubation period, not to be in crowded places and to minimize visitor acceptance. Our patients' outdoors trips, their contact with fresh air is positive for us, so we recommend it.
How should be fed to prevent coronavirus?
Strengthening the immune system is the best precaution against coronavirus. Therefore; Nutrition of risky cancer patients is gaining importance.
Our recommendations to cancer patients who are still on treatment:
* Kefir is very useful for the immune system and can be used safely during treatments. If possible, you can drink kefir, which you prepare at home, in 2 glasses a day.
* You can consume propolis containing solutions once a day.
* Use it by putting a lemon in the water you will consume during the day, the lemon will both be protective against viruses due to the vitamin C it contains and it can provide you to drink more water.
* Meals must include salads with vegetables and greens.
* Wash fruits and vegetables carefully before using them.
* We do not recommend using during chemotherapy; You can easily consume juices other than grapefruit and pomegranate juice provided they are fresh.
* You can prevent the virus from sticking to the throat and nasal mucosa by using nasal drops containing sea water frequently during the day and gargling with salted or carbonated water. Thus, the risk of disease can be minimized.
* Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds during the day, including your elbows.
* Never consume cigarettes and do not live in smoking environments.
* Turmeric and ginger are useful for the immune system, although oral absorption is not high. You can consume it by adding it to salads or with yogurt.
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