Coronavirus and cancer patients

Clean hands are safe hands! Wash hands frequently
to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases!

UPDATE, April 1: More specific info on C19 and MPNs from Drs. Ruben Mesa and Robyn Scherber here.

ET patients MAY be at higher risk for coronavirus than the general population. What does that mean exactly? It means that we may get the virus more easily or become more seriously ill if we do. That's because those on oral chemo are considered immune suppressed, and that makes it generally harder for us to fight off infections.

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society has some brief guidelines and info specifically for blood cancer patients about corona virus.

But there's a lot we don't know about coronavirus, and the most important thing you can do for yourself and loved ones is to keep a clear head and not panic. The next most important thing is to stay informed. Here are some tips:


Get reliable info. The Harvard Medical School urges patients to be wary of where they get their information. Consult the Centers for Disease Control site for the latest developments in the U.S.  In the UK, see the National Health Service site.  The World Health Organization also has information, including a good "Myth Busters" page.

Know where you will get help if you think you have the coronavirus. Contact your doctor or your local health department. If your municipality has a Web site, please check it. It may contain alerts and other helpful information about where to get help locally.

Be alert to drug shortages. Anagrelide has been in short supply since last year, and is unrelated to the coronavirus. The FDA reports no shortages of hydroxyurea or ruxolitinib (Jakafi). If you feel more secure having an extra month's worth of meds on hand, contact your pharmacy to see if it is possible for you to receive extra quantities, but do be aware that hoarding large quantities of drugs can cause shortages. If a shortage of your medication does occur, contact your hematologist for instructions.

Check your "flu kit" supplies. I make sure I have the following items every winter: A working thermometer, extra facial tissues, cough drops, acetominophen/ibuprofen, a hot water bottle, and Gatorade or other sports drink with electrolytes and glucose to prevent dehydration.

Wash hands, wash hands, wash hands (and stop touching your face)! Twenty seconds is the recommended time for hand-washing. I lather and sing "Popeye the Sailor Man" once, then rinse while singing it again. This takes about 25 seconds. (You can sing silently if you are in public or can't carry a tune ...)

Make your own hand sanitizer if there are shortages in your area. If your drug store is out of sanitizer or if hand sanitizer prices are being raised due to shortages, make your own at home: Two parts rubbing alcohol or cheap vodka to one part aloe vera gel. Hand sanitizer should not routinely replace hand washing, but keeping it in your car or purse provides an emergency wash for your hands if you are somewhere you can't wash right away. Wash hands or use sanitizer after pumping gas, touching door handles, using the restroom, before eating, or putting your hands on a counter in a public place.

Don't re-use facial tissues. I am guilty of using a tissue to wipe my nose or eyes and then stuffing it in a pocket or up my sleeve for later use. WRONG! Now is not the time to be miserly with facial tissues. Use them once and throw them away. If you use a cloth handkerchief, think about switching to paper.

Wear a mask? If someone at home has coronavirus, face masks are recommended, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Wear gloves? Gloves not being recommended now except for caregivers. Gloves are also not a substitute for handwashing. I do cover my hands with mitts, scarf, or even a corner of my coat if I have to touch a door knob, but I wash my hands or use sanitizer as soon as possible afterwards.

Avoid casual handshaking and other contact. This is not the time to be hugging and kissing acquaintances, begging to hold babies, etc.

Avoid crowds. I still have to go to the grocery store and pharmacy, but I avoid touching things on the shelves unnecessarily, and I go when there are fewer people around. I am staying away from places where I will be sitting close to other people--restaurants, church, the coffee shop, theaters and concerts, parties, mass transit, library, etc.

Pay attention to travel advisories issued by the U.S. State Department if you are thinking about travel abroad. Remember that coronavirus is spreading around the world at a pretty fast clip. Some companies are restricting general job-related travel for employees out of an abundance of caution.

Take care and be well!

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