Coronovirus (COVID-19)

This is the graph that explains it best. COVID-19 is below TB and polio, above chickenpox and normal Flu, but way below bird flu in terms of mortality. Measles is as ‘deadly’ as COVID but far more infectious.

As far as autoimmune disease management is concerned, Rheumatology involves immunosuppression which increases risk for all infections (COVID-19 is no exception). If someone is infected in anyway (urine infection, upper respiratory or diarrhea etc) immunosuppressive medications are generally held for short term, high dose steroids (>20mg / day) are reduced as much as possible. These principles will apply to COVID-19 infection as well.

Commonsense precautions such as hand washing, and avoiding handshakes and going in crowded places etc should be implemented by everyone.

Seek emergency medical assistance if there are any signs of infection i.e. go to the nearest hospital emergency room.

These include COVID-19 guidelines from British Society for Rheumatology and the European Society (EULAR).