Being Prepared: Neuropathy Patients, Social Distancing, and the Coronavirus

By now the virus that causes COVID-19 has expanded to numerous countries, causing a global crisis. Because older people and those with preexisting health conditions are at a higher risk of getting sick due to the virus, it is important for patients with familial amyloid polyneuropathy and peripheral neuropathy symptoms to practice diligence and to adopt precautionary measures such as social distancing and self-quarantining.

Caregivers and family members may be required to help neuropathy patients manage social distancing and self-quarantining methods to prevent the potential transmission of the virus to the patient.

While more information regarding the coronavirus surfaces daily, the new strain is somewhat mysterious by nature. However, some commonly known high-risk factors include lung disease, heart disease, and diabetes. Peripheral neuropathy symptoms may be caused by diabetes, so patients and their caregivers must not take any chances with potentially coming into contact with the virus.

Managing the coronavirus quarantine

If possible, those with familial amyloid polyneuropathy or any other neurodegenerative disease must be diligent in washing their hands frequently and practicing social distancing. Caregivers also must be diligent in washing their hands and avoiding close contact with other people to minimize the potential transfer of the virus.

Patients who live with family members should entrust all food shopping and essential errands to relatives or caregivers. If at all possible, patients, caregivers, and family members should consider having food and groceries delivered to the home. This may minimize the potential for a patient to become infected.

In my family, my relatives have taken the necessary steps to stock my mother-in-law’s home with groceries and essential items. My mother-in-law has stocked up on masks to protect herself from any droplets and airborne particles that may present the risk of infection, even inside the house.

For patients and caregivers, masks, soap, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes may offer peace of mind inside the home.

Maintaining mental and physical health

Because those with preexisting conditions are particularly at risk, neuropathy patients and caregivers should err on the side of caution when taking preventive measures to limit potential exposure to the coronavirus. Patients may also want to ensure that they are maintaining a healthy diet and good mental health.

With the uncertainty of the times, patients still may want to interact with friends, family, and their support communities, even if it is by phone, Skype, or other software.

What are you doing to prepare for COVID-19? Please share in the comments below. 

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Note: FAP News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of FAP News Today or its parent company, Bionews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to familial amyloid polyneuropathy.