The Spread of Novel Coronavirus and Celiac Disease

The spread of coronavirus has risen from a regional crisis to the entire world. The situation has led all the drug brands to the panic situation struggling with ideas to resist and destroy the virus. However, the situation has created a greater alarm amongst the communities, which are subjected to have weaker immunity, like the patients having celiac disease. 

Named as COVID-19, the disease spreads in the form of infection and is caused by a virus that has never been detected by humans in the past. The virus leads to respiratory problems leading to cough, fever, which in worst-case scenarios may turn into Pneumonia. 

COVID-19 & Celiac Disease

Most people who are having the celiac disease are likely to think of them as immunocompromised. However, healthy celiac patients are not likely to catch the infection until they are having an unhealthy lifestyle or body condition. 

As per the reports of medical experts and international health agencies, people who are already suffering through chronic health problems like cardiac disease, diabetes, or any type of lung disease are at higher risk. 

There have been no reports showing that children are at a greater risk to COVID-19 and only people who belong to older age groups have greater chances to have an infection.

In fact, people who are facing celiac disease have a more responsive immune system. On the other hand, people who are immunocompromised are likely to get exposed to the virus that causes coronavirus. This includes people who are having a continuous intake of steroids, treatment like chemotherapy, or a condition like AIDS.

Conditions of Elevated Risks in People having Celiac

• People who are having an intake of corticosteroids or any type of medicines that can suppress the functioning of the immune system.
• People with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, which are found to be more frequent in people with celiac disease.
• People who are diabetic, or are having heart disease, or an already existing lung disorder. 

Precautionary steps to prevent infections from Coronavirus

Even if you are a celiac patient who has a healthy immune system, it is vital to take all the precautionary steps that can help you to deter the infection. Here are some significant tips that can benefit you to resist COVID-19:

• Wash your hands more often or use a sanitizer, especially when you are having food, after sneezing, coughing, blowing the nose, or when in public areas.
• Make sure you avoid any touch to your face. Sanitize your hands with a good alcohol-based sanitizer or medically recommended hand wash before you touch your mouth, nose, or eyes.
• Always carry a sanitizer with a minimum of 60 percent of alcohol content.
• Avoid visiting areas with the heavy crowd and prevent close contact with anyone.
• Disinfect your home and all the surfaces you are supposed to touch.
• Cover your mouth using tissues when sneezing or coughing and dispose of the tissues properly.

Apart from this, if you are living in an area that is susceptible to infection, or is already having a greater number of populace affected, make sure you have a good stock of food at home. This will help you ensure that the food that you are having is safe to consume.

In Case of Sickness  

People who are infected with coronavirus are likely to develop symptoms similar to flu, which suggests sore throat, runny nose, cough, fever, or in certain cases shortness of breath.

Though over the counter medications can help to avoid any persisting symptoms, celiac patients could have faced a problem with the consumption of gluten in the medications. Therefore, you must have complete knowledge of all the active and inactive ingredients that are present in medicine before consumption.

Apart from this, if you are expecting to have the symptoms of coronavirus, make sure you keep your mouth covered wearing a mask. Also, you must stay at home and avoid going to public areas like school, work, or even public transport. 

You must avoid stepping out of your home until it is an emergency. If it is a must-go situation, make sure you are wearing a mask, preventing contact with people, and using tissues while sneezing or coughing. 

Traveling with Celiac Disease while COVID-19 is Around

It is not necessarily important to cancel all your travel plans but yes, things may get affected based on your health condition and the area to which you are traveling. 

In case, you need to travel to some other country, make sure you go through a quick check on the travel warning list of countries. Also, it can be beneficial to keep a check on all the updates suggested by the WHO or CDC for better and updated information. 

Though air filters at airports and airplanes could limit or remove the particles containing the virus that leads to COVID-19, you could easily come in contact with an infected person in the flight. Therefore, it is mandatory to wear a face mask when traveling, while washing or sanitizing your hands frequently and preventing any touch to your face.

What to do in case of infection?

In case you develop symptoms like heavy breathing cough, and fever, get immediate medical attention. Make sure you have your face covered with a mask while you visit the hospital. Also, try to contact your healthcare provider before your visit to schedule all the things and prevent spread amongst other people. 

Moreover, celiac patients must discuss their health conditions to have the utmost safety measures regarding food and medication. Any person who gets infected with COVID-19 should seek immediate medical attention without any delays as it is important for the safety of one and all. 

Conclusion

The novel coronavirus is an epidemic that can be prevented with adequate measures. It is essential for an individual with celiac to follow preventive measures along with an equal emphasis on gluten-free diet to avoid any severe medical condition.