LOS ANGELES, March 4, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Claire's Place Foundation Board Member Richard K. Mathis, M.D., who has been caring for cystic fibrosis (CF) patients for over forty years, offers advice to families affected by CF to prevent the coronavirus (CORVID-19). Individuals with CF are considered to be at the highest risk of severe disease from this virus.
"CORVID-19 is extremely infectious and has recently achieved community spread status in the U.S.," said Dr. Mathis. "This status means that individuals with CF and their household members are on the front line of the need for preventive measures. The novel virus affects the epithelial cells lining of the lungs which is detrimental to the health of someone with CF as the epithelial cells are already damaged due to CF. It is vital that caretakers and family members of individuals with CF do not bring CORVID-19 into their home and follow preventive measures immediately. In fact, someone can carry CORVID-19 without symptoms, bringing it unknowingly into the home."
To protect individuals with CF from CORVID-19 take these preventive measures:
Outside of the home:
- Public events and school closures are taking place in other countries where there are CORVID-19 outbreaks. This may happen in the U.S. For families with an individual with CF is it very important to carefully consider the public places attended even the attendance of school by siblings
- Wear a labeled N-95 mask
- Wash hands frequently for 20 seconds with soap and water or use hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol content
- Avoid face and eye touching
Inside the home:
- Disinfect frequently touched objects (i.e. TV remotes) and surfaces in your home
- Home isolation and quarantine may be needed if a person has reason to suspect they have the coronavirus
- Fever and increased breathing difficulty require prompt medical care. Contact your pulmonary/CF doctor
CORVID-19 is unfolding with new information reported daily. Be sure to check frequently for updated information from your local public health department or physician and on websites such as the CF Foundation, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAIFD) and CDC. Updated recommendations will occur as newer medical information, antiviral medications and vaccines become available. An end to this infection will occur. This will require a careful protective environment in and outside the home for CF patients and family members.
About Claire's Place Foundation, Inc.
Claire's Place Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization providing support to children and families affected by cystic fibrosis (CF). Claire's Place Foundation is named in honor of Claire Wineland who lived with CF her entire life and passed away at the age of 21. Claire was an activist, author, TEDx Speaker, social media star and received numerous awards. Claire's foundation was a way for her to assure that others living with CF enjoyed the same hope, strength and joy that she enjoyed. Recipient of Los Angeles Business Journal's "Small Nonprofit of the Year," the foundation provides grants to families affected by CF, offering both emotional and financial support. Today, Claire's Place Foundation continues to carry on Claire's legacy. For more information and make a donation, please visit http://www.clairesplacefoundation.org.
SOURCE Claire's Place Foundation
Share this article