Many individuals with IBD have weakened immune systems and therefore are at high risk for serious illness from COVID-19. The CDC recommends that individuals in high-risk groups, such as those with Crohn's or Colitis:
- Washing hands regularly with soap and water on an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Maintaining respiratory hygiene meaning covering your mouth and nose with a bent elbow or tissue when coughing or sneezing and disposing of the tissue immediately
- Maintaining a social distance of a minimum of 3 feet from an infected person
- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, mouth after touching infected material
- Wearing personal protective equipment when in contact with infected people
- Keeping up to date on the latest COVID-19 hotspots and avoiding these areas
- Avoiding attending public events with greater than 10 people
- Staying on your IBD medications. Inflammation due to IBD can lead to complications and damage to your intestinal tract. Your medications aim to keep this inflammation under control. Always talk to your doctor about your treatment plan if you have concerns or questions.
References:
2.https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/coronavirus-update/adults
3.https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/high-risk-complications.html