With all that is going on in the world it can be easy to focus on staying safe during the Coronavirus pandemic, but if you have chronic conditions it’s as important as ever to stay on top of your health.
COVID-19 and Chronic Conditions
As a person with asthma, I have asked myself many times if I would be a higher risk for a more severe illness if I were to get coronavirus. While there isn’t a clear answer for people with asthma, there is evidence that people with cancer, chronic kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, COPD, obesity and serious heart disease are at a higher risk for serious illness.
Several other illnesses including high blood pressures, dementia, type 1 diabetes, asthma and liver disease may be at an increased risk for serious illness but since COVID-19 is still new what we know about the disease and how it impacts people is still being researched.
Keep Your Appointments
Schedule your visits in advance. If you have chronic conditions, make and keep any appointments necessary to stay healthy and on top of your chronic conditions. Be certain you schedule in enough time to refill any necessary prescriptions before they run out. Keeping up-to-date on your medications and making sure your chronic conditions are under control is key to staying healthy.
If your chronic conditions are well controlled, a virtual visit may be an option for staying current on your medications and checking in with your doctor.
Don’t Forget Preventative Screenings
Even if you don’t have a chronic condition, it’s important to stay up-to-date on your preventative screenings, like getting a mammogram, colonoscopy, pap smear, or a mental health screening even during a pandemic. Routine screenings, especially those for cancer, can save lives. Early detection and treatment is key to successfully fighting most types of cancer.
Don’t neglect your Annual Wellness Visit or other wellness visits just because of COVID-19.
Resources:
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-at-increased-risk.html
- https://www.providence.org/news/uf/619009304