We are indebted to the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) for the information that follows here. A much-praised article on their website details COVID-19 precautions for people with cancer we feel we should all know. In a nut-shell, they say people who are in active cancer treatment, and older patients are at higher risk of more severe COVID-19.
People With Cancer Need These COVID-19 Precautions
The ASCO advisory extends to cancer patients with other serious chronic medical conditions, such as lung disease, diabetes or heart disease. Therefore, the article says those with cancer should think carefully about non-essential travel during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Furthermore, this caution particularly applies to partly, or unvaccinated people contemplating visiting high risk areas. Or equally, tempted to attend indoor social gatherings where other people nearby do not wear masks.
These COVID-19 precautions for people with cancer also apply to the rest of us, if we are wise. Especially when we accompany a friend with the condition to indoor social, and other risky gatherings. The virus is all around us. Omicron may be milder but this assumes our immune system is working well. Outdoor activities are simply safer.
Essential Medications During a Pandemic
Every person with a chronic condition should keep a month’s supply of their prescription medication handy according to ASCO. That’s because severe weather could affect us as badly as a bout of the coronavirus disease. And the same applies, ASCO adds to having an emergency list of family, friends, neighbors, and community resources handy.
Many cancer patients live successfully after treatment, especially if they follow medical advice. We are all at risk of COVID-19 infections to a greater or lesser extent. We just need to be smart and sensible during the pandemic, for as long as it lasts.
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Preview Image: About Cancer and COVID
