COVID-19 (Coronavirus): What IBD Patients Should Know
We understand that there’s a lot of information in the news about COVID-19 (coronavirus) and you may be concerned. The Foundation is here to help you make sense of the information and take the precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Controls and Prevention (CDC).
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What is COVID-19? | Watch our live chat | Key terms to know | Symptoms | Healthy practices | Testing for coronavirus | One patient's story
What is COVID-19 (coronavirus)?
There are many types of coronaviruses that can affect both humans and animals. In humans, some of these viruses are common and cause mild symptoms like the common cold, while other types of human strains can be more severe.
A new coronavirus affecting humans, named SARS-CoV-2, was identified at the end of 2019. SARS-CoV-2 causes COVID-19. Reported COVID-19 cases have ranged from mild to severe, including death. There have been confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the United States. You can obtain the latest situation summary from the CDC here.
The SARS-CoV-2 virus is thought to be spread through:
- Contact with an infected person (via respiratory droplets from a cough or sneeze)
- Contact with infected surfaces or objects..
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Key terms to know
What are the symptoms of COVID-19 (coronavirus)?
From the cases reported on COVID-19, the symptoms that have been observed may include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
Other symptoms include chills, muscle pain, headache, and diarrhea. Many patients have also experienced pneumonia as a complication of the virus. See IBD Patient Guidance for more information on IBD and SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19.
General recommendations: healthy practices
There are preventive actions you can take to protect yourself from exposure to the virus and prevent the spread of the disease. The CDC recommends the following ways to limit your risk of infection:
- Avoid having close contact with people who are sick.
- Do not touch your nose, eyes, and mouth if you have not washed your hands.
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. To ensure you wash for the appropriate amount of time, sing “Mary Had a Little Lamb” or another short song two to three times to reach 20 full seconds.
- If soap and water are not available to you, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Check the label to confirm the amount of alcohol.
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Many communities have implemented social distancing measures including canceling public events and encouraging remote work. Please follow the specific guidance being issued by your local health department.
Here are some other actions to take if you are feeling ill or you think you may have been exposed COVID-19:
- Stay home if you are feeling sick
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, and throw it in the trash
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects
- Contact your doctor
- If you are feeling unwell and are not at high-risk (see IBD Patient Guide for high-risk and IBD specific information), monitor symptoms, and contact your doctors via phone or telemedicine.
- If you need an in-person visit at the office, ER or Urgent Care, please call ahead. This will allow the office/ER to take measure to prevent any possible spread of infection.
- Wear a facemask if you are showing symptoms or have been diagnosed with COVID-19. Wearing a mask will reduce the potential spread of the virus to others.
The Foundation has compiled specific IBD recommendations from the CDC, World Health Organization and other credible sources. Please review the resources listed below to learn more:
Guidance for Pediatric Caregivers and Patients
Stress and Anxiety related to COVID-19 Among IBD Patients
The Foundation will update this information as the CDC and public health departments provide additional information and guidance. You can find additional information on COVID-19 on the CDC's and the World Health Organization's websites.
Can people be tested for COVID-19?
Yes, testing for COVID-19 is now available. Contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible if you have symptoms or have a known exposure to a COVID-19 positive person. If experiencing symptoms, please self-quarantine (stay at home), and follow instructions per your healthcare team for the next steps, including testing and symptom management. Your healthcare provider will advise you when to go to an emergency department or urgent care center.
For questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, please see our vaccine resources.
All information is reviewed by the Foundation's National Scientific Advisory Committee.
The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation COVID-19 Resource Center is generously supported, in part, by AbbVie, Genentech, Gilead Sciences, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Medtronic, the Pfizer Foundation, and Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. Additional support is provided through the Foundation’s annual giving program and donors.