Sleep deprivation is one of the most potent ways of suppressing the immune system. If you're not getting a minimum of seven to eight hours of sleep a night, there's scientific evidence that the immune system may be compromised
The spread of COVID-19 across the world is constantly increasing. India is home to over 25 lakh cancer patients, with roughly eight lakh new cases added up every year. Nearly six lakh people die of the disease. Cancer patients are more susceptible to COVID-19 than individuals without the disease because of their compromised immune system and various other factors like anti-cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy.
Not everyone will get sick. But like the flu virus, there are definitely people who are more at risk. People who are older (particularly over 60) and people with underlying health conditions, such as chronic lung disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease and cancer appear to be at higher risk for major complications. That includes admission to intensive care and even death.
The early data from China, and reports from the ground in other countries of local transmission is that our cancer patients are going to be at increased risk, infact cancer patients recorded a 40 per cent mortality rate much higher than any other sample groups. So we’re taking all these factors into consideration while treating cancer patients now.
Patients with hematologic (blood) malignancies we believe will have the biggest risk. Also, patients who are in active chemotherapy and those who have undergone bone marrow transplants. Those are the ones with the most profound immune deficits.
Immunosuppressed and cancer patients should be extra cautious and treat this like a bad flu season. There is also a concern among of patients of what happens if one stops, delays or switches the cancer treatment. There is a need to do various tests to assess their condition and progress of the disease, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, every week, especially for aggressive types of cancer.
Cancer patients with scheduled appointments should keep them, unless they’re experiencing coronavirus symptoms. Those with symptoms are asked to wear a mask, which decreases the spread of viruses and bacteria.
If you develop symptoms of coronavirus such as high fever, a deep dry cough, fatigue and shortness of breath, the first and foremost step is to let someone know, call your provider and tell them if you have respiratory symptoms. Sometimes, they may advise you to stay home or can provide guidelines and protect you when you walk in the door depends on your symptoms and condition. And if the symptoms are minor just stay home. Remember, it’s still flu and cold season.
Your family is important and you don’t want to avoid them, but if someone in your household gets sick, use some social distancing. Wear gloves, have them sleep in a different room if you can, make sure you wipe down areas with some sort of bleach wipes and keep washing your hands regularly. That’s really important.
It’s also crucial not to bring a sick family member into your cancer treatment center. We need less people who are ill, not more, You don’t want someone going in with you even if they only have minor symptoms. It’s important to bring just one caregiver with you to treatment, not your entire family.
There is an importance of sleep in recharging the immune system. Sleep deprivation is one of the most potent ways of suppressing the immune system. Everybody has a different threshold but if you’re not getting a minimum of six or seven or, ideally, eight hours of sleep a night, there’s demonstrable scientific evidence that the immune system may be compromised.
Also try doing light exercises, preferably something aerobic, like walking or jogging, which will get the heart pumping. Take a walk in the fresh air may be in your balcony or garden since you cannot go out due to lockdown.
The writer is Dr Vikas Goswami Senior Consultant Medical Oncologist Max Hospital,Vaishali, New delhi