The coronavirus COVID-19 situation is evolving rapidly. In the interest of concerns and questions that the Foundation is receiving regarding the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19, the GBS|CIDP Global Medical Advisory Boards offers the following statement:
GBS, CIDP and variants will not put patients at any higher risk of contracting the COVID-19, but those who are treated with chronic immunosuppressive drugs (steroids, Rituxan, Cytoxan, Immuran, etc.) may have compromised immune systems with risk of increased susceptibility to (any) infection, such that they should be extra vigilant about reducing exposure to others who might have any infection (this is true regardless of coronavirus).
Whether or not you are coping with the GBS, CIDP or variants of these conditions, the following precautionary steps are highly recommended:
- Wash your hands as thoroughly and as often as possible.
- Follow best practices for general health and wellness such as getting plenty of rest, stay hydrated and continue a well-balanced diet including fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid touching public surfaces and reduce the amount you touch your face.
- Avoid crowds and public events.
- Wear a mask if you have a fever or cough and stay at home if possible until it subsides.
- If you develop symptoms of fever with cough or shortness of breath, please contact your primary care physician.
We encourage anyone looking for further information to seek reliable news sources. The Foundation relies on the Center for Disease Control for updates on COVID-19. Their website can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/. We will provide updates as information is made available.
Other reputable resources:
- The World Health Organization – https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
- European Center for Disease Control – https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/novel-coronavirus-china
- Johns Hopkins School of Public Health – https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/
3/12/2020 – The Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA) has provided a statement specific to plasma protein therapies in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. CLICK HERE to read the statement.