Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on COVID-19
Since the start of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak we have received numerous questions from you on how PID patients should address this situation. We understand that it is a challenging time for many and we are working hard to ensure that we provide answers to your questions, where answers are available.
To answer many of your questions we have just released a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on COVID-19 on IPOPI’s website: https://ipopi.org/pids/covid-19-and-pids-faqs/
On this page IPOPI has gathered all the questions that were discussed during the COVID-19 Conference Call on the 13th of March.
More questions?
IPOPI is planning on organising the 2nd COVID-19 Conference Call on Friday 27 March, 3.30 PM Central European Time. Conference call details will be shared shortly, but please mark this in your calendar.
If you have questions on the COVID-19 outbreak (that have not yet been answered in the FAQ nor in the previous call), please share them with IPOPI latest Wednesday 25 March.
Previous information that we received from IPOPI regarding the CORONAVIRUS’s Outbreak
“In light of the outbreak of the latest coronavirus (2019-nCoV) IPOPI is releasing a statement to provide guidance for our members. Coronaviruses are common in many different animal species and it is rare that they infect people and spread between them, but it happens. During previous coronavirus outbreaks, the person-to-person transmission occurred through droplets, contact and fomites, which suggests that the transmission mode of the 2019- nCoV can be similar. There is currently no vaccine available.
A respiratory virus that can be spread from person-to-person is a risk for PID patients. Therefore, PID patients should be cautious and keep track of developments of the virus in their region. Whilst immunoglobulin replacement therapy provides protection against a range of infections, it does not guarantee immunity against coronavirus. The World Health Organization’s and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendations to reduce exposure to and transmission of the coronavirus 2019-nCoV include but are not limited to:
- Avoid close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections
- Avoid close contact with anyone who has fever and cough
- People with symptoms of acute respiratory infection should practice cough etiquette (maintain distance, cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing, and wash hands) and wear a respiratory mask
- Frequent handwashing by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water, especially after direct contact with ill people or their environment
PID patients in endemic areas
For PID patients who live in endemic areas, beyond the precautions mentioned above, we advise prompt contact with a doctor if an infection is suspected. Patients should always keep the details of their PID diagnosis and medical charts, medications, PID expert doctor and next of kin at hand, in case of urgent medical care is needed. We further recommend continuous monitoring of information from national public health authorities, statements from regional centres for disease prevention and control as well as from the World Health Organization.
IPOPI is monitoring the situation and following developments closely and will continue to update our members if necessary”.
Please find the full IPOPI statement here and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you might have please contact us: info@ipia.info
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