Manage chronic conditions carefully during Covid-19 pandemic

IT IS important for people living with chronic health conditions, as well as those who are elderly, to be particularly careful to follow Covid-19 prevention protocols and manage as well as possible any health conditions they have.

Those with serious illnesses and compromised immune systems, as well as those who are elderly, have a higher risk than others of becoming seriously ill, if they become infected with the Covid-19 virus.

It is for this reason that such people are being given priority in the administration of Covid-19 vaccines.

Even after being vaccinated, however, it is important to continue to observe Covid-19 protocols. None of the Covid-19 vaccines are 100% effective, so that although the vaccine reduces considerably the risk of becoming infected with the virus or becoming seriously ill as a result of infection, there remains a possibility, albeit a small one, of infection. Managing whatever condition you have effectively is also important, with or without the virus, as a poorly managed illness such as diabetes mellitus is likely to lead to a worsening of the illness and the development of other health problems. Some of the high-risk conditions that it is important to manage well include asthma, lung disease, diabetes, heart disease, chronic kidney disease and any condition that leads to a weakened immune system, including some cancers and/or cancer treatments.

Covid-19 Protocols

By now the Covid-19 prevention protocols should be well known. The most important things to do are to stay at home as far as possible, wash your hands frequently, wear a mask when you do have to go out and keep a distance of preferably two metres but at least one metre from others outside your household.

Health management

Crucial for management of any illness is adhering strictly to your prescribed medication regime.

Do not skip a dose or change your medication or treatment without first talking to a healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about creating an emergency supply of prescription medications. Make sure you always have at least a two weeks supply of your medication to ensure you do not run out. Should you be unfortunate enough to develop Covid-19 symptoms or become infected with Covid-19, alert your healthcare service provider.

Continue with your normal medication routine unless directed otherwise by your doctor or other healthcare professional.

Many pharmacies are taking orders over the phone so that your medicines are ready for you when you go to the pharmacy to collect them. This reduces the time you may be exposed to Covid-19 when away from home. Cimas MedicExpress offers a home delivery service for free to Cimas members with chronic conditions and for a small fee to non-Cimas members.

In any pandemic it is natural to feel stressed or anxious so it is important to take care of both your body and your mind. Find ways to stay physically active and reduce stress. If you smoke, stop doing so.

Smoking is not only likely to damage your lungs but increases your risk of a heart attack or stroke, as well as many cancers and other illnesses.

Asthma

People with asthma should take extra care when any type of respiratory illness is spreading in the community. Take all your asthma medications and follow your asthma management plan as directed. This includes the use of rescue and controller medications and devices such as an inhaler and certain pills. It is important to know how to use your asthma inhaler correctly to be effective. The medication in it needs to reach deep into your lungs, so it is important to use a good technique. Check your asthma inhaler expiration date and see if it has a counter that indicates how many doses you have left. If it is low, obtain a refill as soon as you can. Spending more time indoors, as is necessary during the Covid-19 pandemic, may increase your exposure to known or new asthma triggers, which could mean more frequent asthma attacks.

Open windows to allow fresh air to move in and out of your home. Make your home a smoke free zone. Tobacco smoke is a powerful trigger of asthma symptoms and attacks. Strong emotions can also trigger an asthma attack. Take steps to help yourself cope with stress and anxiety during this coronavirus pandemic.

Diabetes mellitus

When people with diabetes mellitus become sick, this can dramatically raise blood sugar levels. Having high blood sugar can make it more difficult to fight off illnesses such as Covid-19. Even if your diabetes mellitus is well controlled, a Covid-19 infection is likely to make you very ill. Poorly controlled diabetes mellitus is likely to make you even worse. If you are infected by the coronavirus and have diabetes, contact your doctor or healthcare provider and ask what changes, if any, you should make to your treatment plan and when to seek emergency care.

Monitor your blood sugar more often than usual and regularly check for ketones. If you have symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis, a build-up of acids in your blood, seek help immediately. Consult a nutritionist if you need ideas for healthy eating.

Heart disease

The coronavirus can strain all systems in the body, which puts additional stress on your heart. If you have heart disease, Covid-19 can make it more difficult for your heart to keep up with the needs of your body. If you have heart disease or high blood pressure, monitor your blood pressure regularly. If you have heart failure, excess fluid in your body may be a concern. Ask your doctor or healthcare provider about any extra monitoring you might need. Take your medications as prescribed. Continue to eat healthy meals and get regular physical activity. Exercise is important.

Chronic kidney disease

Having chronic kidney disease, especially if you are on dialysis, puts you at risk of severe illness from Covid-19. Try to follow Covid-19 protocols when going for dialysis.

Dementia

People with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia may have increased risk of contracting and experiencing severe illness from Covid-19. Cognitive impairment can get in the way of self-protection. Vulnerable people may not appreciate the risk of the disease or remember to be careful enough to prevent themselves from contracting the coronavirus. They may need more reminders and supervision for proper hand-washing or using an elbow or tissue to cover their cough instead of their hands.

The information in this article is provided as a public service by the Cimas iGo Wellness programme, which is designed to promote good health. It is provided for general information only and should not be construed as medical advice. Readers should consult their doctor or clinic on any matter related to their health or the treatment of any health problem. — igo@cimas.co.zw or WhatsApp 0772 161 829 or phone 024-2773 0663.