Can Myeloma Patients Avoid Contracting COVID-19? | Int Myeloma Fn

The ninth episode of his ten episode COVID-19 FAQ series, Dr. Brian G.M. Durie outlines how myeloma patients can stay dafe during the COIVD-19 pandemic.

BOTTOM LINE:
Until there is a vaccine, it is possible to avoid contacting the COVID-19 infection by maintaining physical distancing and staying at home as much as possible.

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Videos in the COVID-19 Series

Transcript:

This “Ask Dr. Durie” is a frequently asked question about the COVID-19 virus infection. This is really a heartfelt question from a patient who says, “Dr. Durie, can I get through all this without developing the COVID-19 infection?”

And, the answer that I can give you is yes, with good care and a little bit of luck, we can all get through this without necessarily having developed the COVID-19 infection. The reason that I can say this is we are starting to understand better that as the infection spreads, it spreads based on clusters. And so, that as clusters are tracked, then the individuals who are in contact with the original spreader can be identified and, as we understand the spreader and the contacts better, it becomes reasonable that you contain a particular cluster and spreading event.

And, as we start to understand these better, then it can be possible to contain clusters and then it’s possible for you to know, well where are those clusters? And, stay well clear of areas where that cluster has been spreading.

And as the clusters are increasingly contained in the coming weeks, one week, two weeks, three weeks, four weeks, as these clusters are contained and spreading is reduced, it is possible for the COVID-19 to, slowly but steadily, to subside. And so, that with due caution, and with due understanding, it is possible that we can all get through this without necessarily being in contact with someone who has emerged from one of those clusters.

And so, the BOTTOM LINE is stay safe at home, avoid physical contact, and hopefully, in the coming months you can stay clear of infection and be ready for when a vaccine is available, a vaccine that can protect you, and you can move forward in a healthy way to be one of those first people to have vaccination and to move forward in a world in which we will always now need to be concerned about this COVID-19 virus.

Image of Dr. Brian G.M. Durie 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®.

COVID-19 FAQ #8: Is physical distancing still recommended for myeloma patients?

COVID-19 FAQ #10: Should Myeloma patients undergo routine COVID-19 antibody testing?

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