Dr Ramakant Deshpande, Onco Surgeon, Asian Cancer Institute elaborates on how people need to be more cautious during the current crisis especially cancer patients who are more prone to contracting COVID-19
Earlier, diseases such as tuberculosis (TB), leprosy, the outbreak of plague, Zika virus, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Ebola gave a tough time to people. Now, the outbreak of coronavirus or COVID-19 has become a big challenge for the entire world as it has claimed thousands of lives. Many countries including India have been put under a lockdown to curb the spread of this life-threatening virus. People with comorbidities such as cancer should be extra cautious as they can easily fall sick due to COVID-19 as their immunity is low. There is no definite treatment or vaccine for coronavirus yet. Hence, it is the need of the hour to adhere to a healthy lifestyle to fight a contagious disease like coronavirus.
Coronavirus is a major public health concern, not only in India but globally as well! Coronaviruses (CoV) belong to a large family of viruses that may lead to respiratory illnesses, right from common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).
Earlier this year, a new strain of coronavirus was discovered, which has not been previously identified in human beings, also known as a novel coronavirus (nCov), and the cause of it is still not known. The listed symptoms of it are fever, cough, shortness of breath. But, symptoms have been noticed in 70 per cent of the people now. It is difficult to determine whether the patient is coronavirus positive. In case, the patient is positive, he / she can pass it on to 10 more people in 24 hours. This is the reason why the number of patients with coronavirus is rapidly increasing. To keep coronavirus, at bay it is essential to practice social distancing.
Know why coronavirus can be worrisome for cancer patients
Older people (above 60), and the ones with comorbidities such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease are termed as ‘high-risk category,’ and may easily get sick owing to COVID-19. Treatments like chemotherapy can weaken immune systems, making cancer patients more likely to contract coronavirus. In India, compared to the entire population, the number of patients above 60, is less than 20 per cent. Hence, the mortality due to coronavirus is less in India.
The treatment for cancer is chemotherapy, radiation or surgery. After the treatment, the patient takes time to get back on track. But, if patients contract any infections then it can be fatal for them, and can even lead to death. Currently, before carrying out surgeries on cancer patients, they are being tested for coronavirus. The surgery is only done after the patient’s report is negative. Many times, endoscopy and laparoscopy are also done, and while doing so, various gases are used. These gases may raise the risk of coronavirus. Hence, it is not possible to carry out an endoscopy or laparoscopy.
Separate hospitals are required for COVID-19 patients
Patients infected with coronavirus should not be treated in the same hospital where there are other patients suffering from diseases such as cancer, heart disease or respiratory disorders. Doing so can be helpful in stopping the spread of coronavirus in other patients, doctors, nurses and the hospital staff. Moreover, personal protective equipment (PPE) is most important in preventing transmission of the virus, and should be used by the doctors and the nurses.
Takeaway: The symptoms of coronavirus are not noticed in 70 per cent of people. According to the data, only 10 per cent of people are only admitted to the hospital. In these, two people among 100 are on the ventilator. Likewise, 80 per cent patients who are on ventilator tend to lose their lives. In order to fight a contagious disease, it is essential to embrace a healthy lifestyle. One should maintain good personal hygiene, use mask, stick to proper hand-washing and disinfect surfaces and objects from time to time. Doing so can be helpful in tackling diseases like this in the near future.