The MDS Alliance is aware that MDS patients and their carers may be feeling anxious about the risk of infection from Coronavirus – COVID-19. Although viral defences are not necessarily weakened in MDS, most MDS patients are older and therefore already at greater risk.
We would like to support our organisation members so that they can provide patients with the most reliable information during this uncertain time. In order to do that we have gathered here resources that our members have put together. You are free to use these resources and translate them to your language when relevant.
The resources will keep updating as the situation evolves.
Recommendations for MDS Patients:
All patients
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- Hand wash often for at least 20 seconds
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces (i.e. doorknobs, light switches, handles, toilets, faucets, laptops, keyboards, cell phones, tables/counters).
- Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth
- Avoid contact with anyone having respiratory symptoms
- Avoid contact with anyone who traveled to countries with widespread coronavirus
- Visitors to your house must also wash hands as soon as they enter
- Do not shake hands
- Do not travel if possible
- Do not get near large crowds
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Discard the tissue and clean your hands.
Showing no MDS symptoms, not on MDS treatment?
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- Discuss with your clinician or nurse an alternative to a clinic visit for your next check-up
On active MDS treatment or transfusions?
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- Continue to attend any scheduled appointments unless they are contacted by a member of their healthcare team.
- Wear a mask when attending hospitals or clinics
Having any symptoms of cough, fever, diarrhoea, chills?
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- Contact your doctor or nursing line for instructions prior to going into the clinic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Webinar – Watch the Recording
In view of the many questions faced by all regarding coronavirus, our colleagues in the USA organised a free webinar last Friday, March 13, 2020 about the emergency of COVID-19 and the impact on bone marrow failure disease patients.
To watch the recording, please follow this link: Webinar Recording
The AA/MDS Foundation will be conducting more webinars. For updates follow this website, the AA/MDS Foundation and MDS Foundation.
For all bone marrow failure patients, prevention is now THE most important thing – because COVID can be very dangerous – like other severe infections.
Follow the guidelines meticulously. Stay safe
Additional Information:
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- https://umiamihealth.org/alerts/coronavirus-covid-19 – Stem Cell Transplant
- https://www.aamds.org/education/covid-19 – Bone Marrow Failure – AAMDSIF
- https://www.mds-foundation.org/mds-and-coronavirus-covid-19/ – Coronavirus (COVID-19) and MDS – MDS Foundation
- https://mdspatientsupport.org.uk/coronavirus-mds-blood-cancer-advice/ MDS UK Patient Support Group
This overview is interactive and detailed information is displayed by moving the mouse. Under the country name there is a (pink) reference to the health insurance system (if known) in this country.
