Immune system + coronovirus advice

[LightOfErendil]

I’ve just heard on TV a medical expert saying that those who are on chemo should take extra precautions re coronovirus, and self isolate. I’m on hydroxycarbamide for ET. My consultant said last week my immune system is compromised but didn’t say to self isolate. Not sure what extra precautions I should be taking other than the extra hand washing etc. Any advice on here?

[HAIRBEAR_UK Administrator]

Hi LightOfErendil thanks for posting, how are you coping? Current guidance and Leukaemia Care's position is to encourage you to contact your medical team for advice that is specific to your blood cancer . leukaemiacare.org.uk/suppor...

Advice on Coronavirus for people with cancer has been published by the UK coalition of cancer charities; One Cancer Voice here: bloodwise.org.uk/sites/defa...

Bloodwise have prepared guidance of Coronavirus information for people affected by leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma or any blood cancer bloodwise.org.uk/blog/coron...

Please note, although Leukaemia Care is unable to give medical advice about an individual situation, we can provide you with general information and emotional support during this uncertain time.

Our helpline (Freephone 08088 010 444) is available Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm and Thursday and Friday evenings from 7 to 10 pm. You can also contact us using WhatsApp or email [e-mail]

We continue to monitor the situation and will adapt our approach as necessary.

For information on how the government is handling the virus, please visit the link below– it is updated at 2 pm every day until further notice.

gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus...

The NHS also has a section addressing common questions people ask about the virus and it is very comprehensive.

nhs.uk/conditions/coronavir...

I hope this helps

Nick

[LightOfErendil in reply to HAIRBEAR_UK]

Thanks so much! I saw my consultant last week, and my bloods are perfect! That’s good news. Still suffering from fatigue however. I did ask about my immunity and she said I would be at a higher risk of infections but I was to try and continue to eat healthily and just get on with life. No specific instructions re coronovirus. I’ll have a look at these sites you’ve suggested and take it from there.

Thanks again.

[2003UK Champion]

Hi I would suggest to ask and keep in contact with your medical team, you are a unique, medical individual and the situation is really evolving at the moment. As you say in the meantime perhaps we need to be ensure we are all following current NHS advice. We can also contact the Leukaemia Care Charity helpline for reliable advice. It is open Monday - Friday 9am until 5pm and they have a special evening service on a Thursday and Friday 7pm - 10pm. The number is freephone 08088 010 444. Take care.