An Information Bulletin for our Myeloma Community:
Myeloma & Coronavirus COVID-19
What You Need to Know
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Martine Elias - Executive Director
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Hi everyone,
With all the attention in the media about COVID-19, it’s very understandable that you may be concerned.
We’ve received many questions about COVID-19 from you, and it’s important to us that you’re well-informed. That’s why you’re receiving this bulletin today.
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What’s my risk?
Myeloma and its treatments affect how well the immune system responds to infection.
This means that people living with myeloma are at a higher risk for infection in general, even when the myeloma is stable or in remission. In fact, all people living with cancer have a higher risk of infection, as well as those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, and heart disease.
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There are several different types of human coronaviruses circulating around the world, however the majority of them usually don’t cause severe illness. (It’s actually likely that you’ve been exposed to these types of viruses in the past.)
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In rare instances, an animal coronavirus, such as COVID-19, can “jump” or evolve to humans and cause more severe illnesses. Other recent examples of animal-to-human transmission includes Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).
Common symptoms
of these infections include
fever
,
cough
,
shortness of breath
,
muscle aches
,
sore
throat
, and
headache
. These symptoms can present 2-14 days after virus exposure.
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COVID-19 and Canada
Due to the current global coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak, it makes full sense that you may feel anxious or worried about catching the virus. Although there have been a total of 24 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Canada as of March 2, 2020 (15 in Ontario, 8 in British Columbia and
1 in Quebec),
rest-assured that the immediate risk of being infected with COVID-19 in Canada is considered low compared to other types of infections.
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Early & Preventive Measures You Can Take
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While there is no preventative vaccine or antiviral treatment for COVID-19,
there are many easy preventative measures you can take to help protect yourself
and others from respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, and from the spread of infection in general.
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- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands; it’s one of the most important things you can do.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or an antiseptic hand sanitizer. Lather and scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds and don’t forget the backs, between fingers, and under the nails. Pay particular attention and wash your hands after you touch doorknobs and elevator buttons.
- Avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, the virus spreads through mucus and saliva droplets that can be directly inhaled or picked up by touching contaminated surfaces (followed by touching your eyes, nose, or mouth). The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a safe distance of at least one metre.
- Cover your cough and sneezes with tissues or the inside of your elbow. Throw out any used tissues in a closed trash bin. If you sneeze or cough into your hands, you may contaminate surfaces that other people touch.
- Avoid sharing personal items with others (i.e., utensils and drinking glasses).
- Avoid touching ramps, doors and other surfaces in public places.
- Avoid unnecessary visits to clinics and hospitals and stay home if you’re not feeling well. If you have a fever, you should contact your health care professional.
- Wear a mask if you’re coughing, sneezing or have a runny nose and you really need to go out - it can reduce the risk of others getting sick.
- Last but not least avoid travelling in confined modes of transportation like planes, trains and buses. Now might not be a good time for a cruise.
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We’ve also received questions about wearing gloves and/or masks to avoid catching COVID-19.
- Gloves can be worn but you should avoid touching your face with contaminated gloves.
- Some surgical masks may be too loose, may not have an air filter, or they may leave the eyes exposed.
- The most effective masks are “N95” because they block 95% of small particles.
- Wash your hands before putting a mask on, and every time you touch it, to avoid transferring viruses to the mask.
- Masks become less effective the longer you wear them – especially if they become damp from your breath – so change them regularly.
- Remove masks from the back because the front might be contaminated.
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Of course, always remember to call your healthcare provider
if you have any concerns about your health.
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For more information, resources and updates on the COVID-19 virus, we recommend the agencies below:
Public Health Agency of Canada
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World Health Organization (WHO)
International Myeloma Foundation (IMF)
Stay safe & healthy,
Martine
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Follow us on social media for the most up-to-date information and resources:
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