Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation has issued guidance on IBD patient hygiene and medication regimens. It answers common questions about immunosuppresant medications and biologics. It also recommends consulting your physician with any specific concerns you may have about the coronavirus and your current medications. Read here.
Understand Your Risks. People with chronic conditions like IBD might be at an increased risk of severe disease. The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation writes in their latest guidance: “Individuals with IBD may have weakened immune systems.” Read more here.
Practice Good Hygiene. Yes, you’ve heard it all before. Wash hands frequently for at least 20 second with soap (that’s the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday”), keep surfaces clean, avoid touching your face. Here is a great video from Johns Hopkins Medicine showing hand washing technique.
Practice Social Distancing. If possible, minimize social interactions in large groups. As of 3/11/2020, the CDC recommends that individuals in high risk groups avoid attending public events with greater than 10 people. You may re-consider non-essential travel. Instead of a handshake or a hug as a greeting, consider waving, a slight bow, or performing ‘Namaste.’ Read CDC guidelines.
Avoid a Flare. It is especially important to avoid a UC flare during the pandemic. Health services may become overwhelmed, wait times may increase, and hospitals may in themselves become places of contagion. Trying a healthy diet at this time – like The Colitis Diet – may help avoid acute episodes at this time.
If You Are In a Flare. Consult your physician and follow your physician’s recommendations and prescription regimen. In addition, you may also consult our Flare SOS Tips for meals and tips that have helped us in the past.
Stock Your Pantry With the Right Food. We do not advocate panic-shopping, which can be highly disruptive. Rather, we suggest adding small reserves of healthy non-perisheable foods that will allow you to continue a healthy diety in case of disruptions. See our list of items to stock.
Boost Your Immune System. Get enough sleep, since sleep deprivation has been linked to weaker immune response. Eat well and consume plenty of fresh fruits, berries, and vegetables to give your immune system a boost.
Avoid Stress. Stress is taxing on your immune system. This pandemic might bring some stressful decisions related to telework or child care that you simply must deal with. But, avoid constant worries about coronavirus or the stock market.
We are all in this together.
Hi, I’m a nurse who has Chronic Ulcerative colitis and Spondylosis..I’m on Humira, am I at high risk?
Hi Shawnee, unfortunately we cannot comment on individual cases. But, we can point you to reputable resources. Crohn’s and Colitis Canada provide guidance on IBD (including UC), COVID-19, and medication: https://crohnsandcolitis.ca/covid19 . Feel free to subscribe to The Colitis Blog on this page or follow us on Facebook where we pool up-to date resources on UC and COVID-19.