Most with HS are concerned about Coronavirus, and those on a biologic are especially nervous. The Coronavirus strain (Covid-19) is new and "unknown" to us. The best advice is to wash your hands, don't touch your face, wash surfaces frequently and stay home, especially if you don’t feel well. Please be sure to follow your country’s guidelines.





Do not stop taking your medications; if you are considering doing this please talk to your medical professional. There is no data on the influence of any medications, including biologics and immune suppressants, regarding Covid-19. If you have questions please speak to your doctor and/or providers; they should follow their current practice.





If you feel you have come in contact with the virus or are experiencing any of the symptoms of Covid-19, take the necessary steps (links below); this is for everyone, regardless if you have HS or if you’re taking a biologic.





Panicking, worrying, and stressing only causes lower immunity, and for many, can trigger flares.





HS Covid-19 global registry to monitor and report outcomes of Covid-19 in Hidradenitis Suppurativa.





Tell your doctor about this registry effort and visit the website for more info!





Please see details below:





https://hscovid.ucsf.edu/





Link to HS Covid-19 podcast:

http://learnskin.libsyn.com/





Please take time and go through the important information below and helpful tips. Check out CDC.gov.coronavirus for more information about Covid-19.





FAQ about HS and Covid-19:





https://www.hs-foundation.org/hidradenitis-suppurativa-treatment-and-covid-19-coronavirus/





COVID-19 CDC Frequently Asked Questions:





https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html





COVID-19 FDA Frequently Asked Questions:





http://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/mcm-issues/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-frequently-asked-questions





CDC Info:





https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html





World Health Organization (WHO) info:





https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019





Coronavirus COVID-19 NHS (UK) Guidelines





https://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/our-services/dermatology/dermatology-and-coronavirus-frequently-asked-questions.aspx#na





World O meter:





https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/





Links to Coronavirus webinar very interesting and important information:





Here are three very informative webinars from Islamic Medical Association of North America - IMANA regarding COVID19. This is real talk and great information by brilliant Physicians. Listen in the car, at work, or anywhere. Gain the best knowledge on the current situation and get all the updated answers to your questions.





Webinar #1:





https://youtu.be/LxmcWB2QNHs





Webinar #2:





https://youtu.be/0Boq-BV4g7Q





Webinar #3:





https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=dl5-976ubzg





COVID-19 Update; 3/14/2020. A Message From Concerned Physicians Article:





https://www.howardluksmd.com/sports-medicine/covid-19-update-3-14-2020-concerned-physicians-unite/





10 Reasons Not to Panic: Putting things in perspective just to help you stay focused during this difficult time:





https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/03/coronavirus-ten-reasons-not-to-panic





Understanding cancelled events and why it helps:





https://www.vox.com/2020/3/10/21171481/coronavirus-us-cases-quarantine-cancellation





More helpful info:





https://www.lifeextension.com/protocols/infections/2019-novel-coronavirus-sars-cov2-covid-19?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=organicpost





No Evidence to Back COVID-19 Ibuprofen Concerns

Note*always speak to your doctor about what's best for you.





https://www.factcheck.org/2020/03/no-evidence-to-back-covid-19-ibuprofen-concerns/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=social-pug





For those concerned who has someone in their household who is an essential worker. And feels that everybody is at risk in household. This not necessarily the case, please don't bring any more worry upon yourself than necessary.





You can still follow CDC guidelines as far how to wash and how to keep things sanitized. And practice social distancing within your household. Yes even with kids.





As long as everybody else within the home is self quarantine. Even if you do have to run out for something essential. Just practice your social distancing while you're out there. Your main "focus" is the essential worker. But there are plenty things you can do to stay safe and lower your risks.





Social distancing within your home:





•Have the person who has been exposed to the outside world. Remove their outer clothing before entering the main part of the home. I.E. shoes, hat, coat. and put their work clothes immediately in the laundry. *Laundry that they should do.





•Have them or you (if you're not sure they did it), sanitize anything they have touched prior to them taking a shower. This includes their cell phones, a laptop, keys, ECT.





•No sharing; things like towels, cups, utensils, toothbrushes, ECT





•Staying at least 6 feet away "The essential worker". Just as you would do in public.





•No hugging, kissing, or intimacy.





•You can also choose to not sleep in the same bed.





•Everyone should continue to practice safety hygiene in terms of; sneezing and coughing in the inside (elbow) part of their arm.





•Washing your hands frequently, this includes your entire family.





•Not touching your face.





•Keep surfaces cleaned frequently. If you receive any outside packages, wipe them down, dispose of when done. And also wash your hands after handling.





•Depending on your family size, or how many essential workers. Have a discussion about how you would divide up the living space.





This is temporary; you can do this!





Things To Do While Stuck At Home During The Coronavirus (COVID-19) Quarantine - Self Isolation.





Read a book or magazine.





Start a journal or blog.





Self reflect, take this time to write down things you're grateful for. maybe take this time to really work on yourself.





Write actual letters to family and friends. And then maybe, write thank-you notes to service people who you remember went out of their way for you during this time.





Reconnect with nature; sit outside, listen to the birds breathe in the air. Take a walk or hike.





Reconnect with your family or your significant other. Have special family time or dinners. Or have a special in home date night.





Meditate or take this time to learn how to meditate.





Write poetry or a song.





Learn a new language.





Study sign language.





Watch all the really long movies you’ve avoided until now.

Go through your old photos and organize them. Both paper copies and virtual.





Complete a puzzle or a crossword puzzle.





Play improvisation or board games.





Knit, crochet, do crafts, draw, color, or paint.





Look at pictures or online videos of puppies or kittens.





Watch all the movies you’ve avoided until now. Or binge-watch anything you've been wanting to catch up on.





Organize your tupperware, spices, pots and pans, junk drawer, makeup, or office ECT.





Maybe fix that broken drawer, door knob, loose tile or clean scuffed up walls or floors.





Bake or try new recipes.





Catch up with old Friends. Use Skype, FaceTime, Google Hangouts/DUO, Facebook videos and keep in touch with friends and family.





Do an indoor scavenger hunt. Or see if your neighborhood community is interested in doing a stuffed animal zoo window hunt.

*Fun neighborhood idea for all. Stuffed animal zoo hunt. Have the neighbors put stuffed animals in their windows. So when people go for a walk, they can check off all the animals they find! Remember to practice social distancing whilst doing this.





Make signs with positive words and happy pictures on them and hang them in your windows to cheer up the neighborhood.





Dye your hair a new color. Why not?!





Learn some history. Learn some science.





Work on your financial planning, maybe look into financing your loan or ways to save more money.





Catch up on your sleep!





Make a current affair time capsule. Capture everything that's going on right now. Put news clippings in it, your thoughts, anything you can think of during this time. And bury or hide it.





Link resource, 125 ideas of fun things to do with kids:





https://parade.com/1009774/stephanieosmanski/things-to-do-with-kids-during-coronavirus-quarantine/





12 Virtual Disneyland Rides That You Can Enjoy Via YouTube At Home





https://www.elitedaily.com/p/12-virtual-disneyland-rides-that-you-can-enjoy-at-home-without-a-fastpass-22644016?utm_term=share





8 BEST WEBSITES OR APPS TO SUPPORT STUDYING ONLINE:





https://whatsnewindonesia.com/best-websites-or-apps-to-support-studying-online/





If you need some culture here are 2,500 Museums You Can Visit Virtually. Thousands a photos and some virtual tours:





https://hyperallergic.com/547919/2500-virtual-museum-tours-google-arts-culture/





And if you're able. Please don't forget to support your local establishments. Especially small businesses.





Coronavirus stable for hours on surfaces. SARS-CoV-2 stability similar to original SARS virus:





https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/new-coronavirus-stable-hours-surfaces





Regarding the coronavirus COVID-19 and biologics. Many are concerned and are considering stopping their treatment.





A couple key things to consider, if you are considering stopping biologic treatment for HS. Things to consider before you do.





First and foremost. NEVER stop taking this or any medication without first speaking to your medical team.





•By stopping and starting biologics a person's immune system can develop antibodies to the drug, making the treatment less effective. For some it can stop working altogether. Some people are more susceptible to this than others.





•Most biologics can remain in your system up to 8 weeks (give or take), depending on the individual. So if feel it is too risky to be on a biologic during this time. Technically, the risk factor would still be there, until the medication is completely out of your system. Meaning, it will not be instantaneously.





If your treatment is working well for you. Please take these key factors into consideration. If you still wish to stop your treatment. Be sure to discuss this with your physician.





Just like before the virus, should you become ill whilst on a biologic. You follow the same exact protocol •I.E. if you have a fever, typically you would contact your doctor and stop your treatment until you are feeling better. And if you suspect you have come in contact with COVID-19. Contact your doctor immediately.





Covid-19 (Coronavirus): Immunosuppressive treatments in dermatology





https://www.skinhealthinfo.org.uk/covid-19-coronavirus-immunosuppressive-treatments





UPDATED INFO FROM THE FDA DIRECTLY AS OF 3/24/20:





Thank you for writing to the Division of Drug Information in the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER).





We are so sorry to learn that you have not been able to find the information you are looking for, and we appreciate that you chose to share your concerns with us. We offer the following comments for your consideration.





You and other members of the support group may wish to review the prescribing information for the medication you/they are currently taking. For your convenience, here is the prescribing information for Humira (adalimumab) and for Remicade (infliximab).





Humira PDF Google Link:





https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qF49_Vat0EyETvLHz5CpZbcee9Uvz_Rg/view?usp=drivesdk





Remicade PDF Google link:





https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Pre1ZTvKAXDXtFSlgZKkA_-lZYrdmnv5/view?usp=drivesdk





In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains a COVID-19 FAQ webpage, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html which includes information related to who is at “higher risk”: CDC Higher Risk https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html .





Patients should speak with their health care provider who is familiar with the individuals’ current health status and past medical history. Please encourage members of the support group to discuss questions or concerns with their health care provider who can provide advice and care appropriate for their specific medical needs.





Best Regards,

KC

Pharmacist

Division of Drug Information

Center for Drug Evaluation and Research

Tel: 855-543-DRUG (855-543-3784)

druginfo@fda.hhs.gov





We understand this is very trying time for everybody. Mentally, emotionally, financially, and of course everything, for many, we've had to deal with previously, physically. I know surgeries have been postponed indefinitely. I know mine have. We know some people are having a hard time getting their medications on time. Medical appointments have been postponed indefinitely. Note* for medical appointments, please speak to your doctor's about telehealth or videohealth. During covid-19 most insurance companies are covering this service.





So many are not able to work. Kids are not able to go to school and are off schedule and out of routine.





If you need a mental health therapist, also speak to them about telehealth and or video sessions. Make sure you utilize any of your support systems at this time. Don't forget FaceTime or via phone.





Check into ALL the services you're country or state maybe offering as far as any financial assistance.





One thing we ask that you keep in mind. Is that you're not alone. We are all in this together, globally.





*Important*

For those who are not used to this. The long-term isolation, being alone, the dramatic very quick change in your lives. Trying to adjust the new normal. If you know someone in your life that suffers with a chronic illness. Preferably, someone that had to stop working, who had to stay home isolated a lot, maybe housebound or bed-bound whatever the scenario. Take this opportunity and reach out to that person! I know for a fact they would be more than willing to be a sounding board during this time. Let them help you through this. We know what this is like, we understand on a level that is impossible to even explain. If you are struggling (and I know a lot of you are because I'm seeing it). Let us help you.





Financial Resources:





https://themighty.com/2020/04/financial-assistance-resources-covid-19/





United Way created a COVID-19 Community Economic Relief Fund. If you need assistance finding food, paying housing bills, accessing free childcare, or other essential services, use the search bar at 211neny.org or call 211 to speak to someone who can help.





Please see below website for full details:





https://www.unitedwaygcr.org/covid-19





How the Coronavirus Paid Leave Rules Apply to You





https://www.wsj.com/articles/how-the-coronavirus-paid-leave-rules-apply-to-you-11585326384?mod=e2fb





Department of labor link:





https://www.dol.gov/





If you have questions or concerns, please seek the advice of your medical professionals.





This is an awareness article for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider.





Hsconnect.org

Written by Denise Panter-Fixsen

Edited by Brindley Kons