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In this week’s video, Dr. Durie addresses a frequently asked question from myeloma patients on how to reduce COVID-19 exposure. BOTTOM LINE: |
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If you have a question that you’d like to suggest for a future episode of Ask Dr. Durie, please submit it to [email protected]. To reach the IMF InfoLine Coordinators, please call 800.452.2873 or email them at [email protected]. |
Videos in the COVID-19 Series
- FAQ #1: How can myeloma pts reduce the possibility of being exposed to the coronavirus?
- FAQ #2: What do myeloma patients need to know about COVID-19?
- FAQ #3: Do myeloma patients need to adjust their treatment?
- FAQ #4: What are some of the treatment modifications myeloma patients should consider?
- FAQ #5: What are the risk factors that could lead myeloma patients to develop serious consequences from the COVID-19 infection?
- FAQ #6: What precautions should myeloma patients take when getting their groceries?
- FAQ #7: Is it safe for myeloma patients to take walks?
- FAQ #8: Is physical distancing still recommended for myeloma patients?
- FAQ #9: Can myeloma patients avoid contracting the COVID-19 infection?
- FAQ #10: Should Myeloma patients undergo routine COVID-19 antibody testing?
- FAQ #11: Are MGUS and smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) patients considered to be at higher risk for severe consequences from a COVID-19 infection?
- FAQ #12: If a myeloma patient takes Revlimid® (lenalidomide) as maintenance treatment, should this patient continue with that treatment during the pandemic?
- FAQ #13: Is it safe for myeloma patients to resume in-person doctors' visits?
- FAQ #14: Should myeloma patients undergo ASCT during the pandemic?
- FAQ #15: Is dexamethasone helpful against the COVID-19 infection?
- FAQ #16: Is it safe for myeloma patients to travel by airplane?
- FAQ #17: How high of a risk do asymptomatic carriers pose to myeloma patients?
- FAQ #18: Is Ninlaro® a safe treatment alternative for myeloma patients during the pandemic?
Transcript:
This “Ask Dr. Durie” is a frequently asked question about the COVID-19 coronavirus infection. This is FAQ number one. And, this question relates to, “how do I reduce possible exposure to this novel coronavirus?”
The key, key, recommendation to patients with myeloma is stay home as much as possible. Really avoid all trips outside the home, even to the doctor. So, this recommendation is basically physical distancing. Staying six feet apart, so that you avoid possibility of getting air spread from someone who does have the COVD-19 infection.
But none the less, we do not want you to restrict with social distancing. Despite all of this, it’s very, very, important to try to maintain social connections by chat rooms, by Skype, by Zoom, by all of these different technologies to stay in touch.
However, it is important to avoid direct contact with any individuals who might possibly be infected. There is a changing opinion about the use of masks. Certainly, all healthcare providers need to be wearing masks. Also, people in public positions, in stores and the like that are still open, do also need to wear masks. And frankly, if available, I recommend that al myeloma patients that if they happen to need to go out would consider using masks.
But, the BOTTOM LINE recommendation besides staying home as much as possible, is to wash your hands frequently if you have any contact with the outside world, or with any goods, or deliveries, or mail coming to your home. Wash your hands carefully afterwards, and this will provide you with the maximum protection and allow you to stay away from this unique COVID-19 infection.
Dr. Brian G.M. Durie serves as Chairman of the International Myeloma Foundation and serves on its Scientific Advisory Board. Additionally, he is Chairman of the IMF's International Myeloma Working Group, a consortium of nearly 200 myeloma experts from around the world. Dr. Durie also leads the IMF’s Black Swan Research Initiative®.
