Coronavirus and travel with Crest syndrome.

[190366]

Due to travel to Thailand and Dubai. I have CREST syndrome. Has anyone had any advice from their specialist about Coronavirus? I’m worried about going with my lowered immune system. Thank you

[Hidden]

Could you perhaps ask your GP practice for advice or phone your rheumatologist’s secretary? I wouldn’t consider travelling anywhere myself just now because I’d worry too much about contracting or spreading the virus. But that’s just me - travel isn’t a priority enough because I can’t do long flights or cope with heat so I’m not in a position to understand.

[LucyJean]

Hi there, there is no specific advice that I am aware of but you need to take sensible precautions as you would probably be classed as 'at risk'.

Here are some points that I would consider...

1. Check the gov.uk website to check exactly which locations the coronavirus has been found. I am not an expert but I haven't heard that Thailand or Dubai are areas of concern as yet. China or northern Italy is a different matter.

2. Is your condition stable and are you generally well? If you are having a flare or not well then this is more of a risk. Also if you have any co existing health problems, especially with your heart and lungs.

3. What medications are you on? If you are having active treatment with any immunosuppression then you are more at risk.

4. What do your last blood results say? If you are having regular immunosuppression, or have had recent bloods for monitoring then it is helpful to know what your white cell count is. If it is low then you are more at risk.

5. How do you generally respond to viruses...are you always coming down with something or can you not remember the last time you had something? This will tell you a little bit about your vulnerability.

6. Think about the length of flight...not just because of CV, but also for the risk of contracting other viruses from fellow passengers (it is pretty common for people to get respiratory bugs). The longer you are on a plane with recycled air the greater the risk of coming into contact with airborne germs.

7. Think about the type of accommodation you are going to. If it is a hotel with high stars and excellent hygiene then this is safer. If it is a shack...and you are travelling around the area a lot then this is more risky.

8. Always observe good hand hygiene. Hot water and antibacterial handwash. You cannot rely on alcohol gels. Make sure that you do not touch your eyes, mouth and nose.

9. The benefits of face masks are debatable but perhaps consider one if you are in an at risk area.

Not sure if I have forgotten anything...but some points to get you thinking.

Hope that helps

Lucy xx

[MissusTee]

Except the immune system isn't lowered to overactive, wouldn't this be protective?

[MissusTee]

Is overactive sorry.

[LucyJean in reply to MissusTee]

Hi there, in autoimmune conditions the immune system targets your own tissues. This is not the same as it being over active, although sometimes it will also be overactive (but unfortunately mostly against you). In my comments above I was talking about people who are having immunosuppression as being the ones who are at risk, especially if it is known to lower their white cell count, as well as people who as a part of their condition have a low white cell count.

As I also said, if you are know that you are a person who is not usually prone to get respiratory viruses then you would be less concerned.

Hope that makes sense.

Lucy xx

[Hidden]

Having a very overactive immune system isn’t the same as being resistant ie it doesn’t necessarily offer protection as you might assume it would.

I learnt quite recently that I have a condition called Hypergammaglobulemia - which affects a proportion of those with autoimmune diseases. It’s surprisingly similar to the opposite extreme ie both are a kind of immune dysfunction.

The way it affects me is that I can go for long periods where I don’t get any viruses or infections at all. But at other times it means I get a lot of the viruses around and suffer recurring bacterial infections - and these seem to affect me much worse than others in that they go straight for my kidneys or lungs.

Also I think we need to remember that it’s not just all about us - it’s about travel (particularly recreational) being the main way that the Corona virus is now spreading around the world.

[Mylomydog]

Hi.I did happen to phone the rheumatology department at ninewells hospital in dundee to ask whether this could be deadly to someone with an over active immune system( i have limited scleroderma) but they said they didn't know as they hadn't been asked that before.i am not on immunosuppressants or anything but i certainly won't be travelling to find out!

[Hidden]

Hi - I attend same hospital and also same department as you but recently requested to be shifted to rheumatology rather than CTD clinic. I wonder if the information given out has changed now the first Scottish case has been confirmed in our area? I’m not travelling either but am due to start immunesuppression later this month so trying to decide what to do.

[Sanmateogirl107]

bupleurum chinense is a plant that can kill corona viruses it has been studied thoroughly. ebay. hope it helps. Julie