Covid and PBC

From the PBC Foundation Medical Advisory Board, 13th March 2020.

Over the last few days, our helpline has received many calls from people with PBC worried about Coronavirus.

Get information from reliable sources

There are many sources of reports, wireless, television, social media, press and so on. Some of the information is inaccurate, some is alarmist and sensational and some is just wrong. There are several reliable sources of information and these include:

 NHS: (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/)

 Department of Health and Social Care and Public Health England:          

(https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public)

 Health Protection Scotland:

(https://www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/a-to-z-of-topics/wuhan-novel-coronavirus/)

 Welsh Government: (https://gov.wales/coronavirus-covid-19)

 Northern Ireland: (https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/coronavirus)

Remember the situation is changing, so keep up to date, using the sensible websites.

COVID-19 and PBC

The spectrum of illness associated with Covid-19 varies from an asymptomatic infection to severe illness. Some people with PBC may be at greater risk of getting more severe infection – mainly those who are taking immunosuppressive medications (such as prednisolone, azathioprine, mycophenolate, ciclosporin or tacrolimus), or have advanced PBC. However, everyone should take the sensible precautions listed below.

Hospital visits: the NHS is under pressure and Covid-19 may cause extra pressure.  At this stage, hospitals are continuing with ‘business as usual’. As predicted, the pandemic is starting to affect more people in the UK and already some hospitals are recommending that routine check-ups be postponed for those who are well and stable. Others are arranging video conferencing to conduct out-patient appointment. This is an evolving situation, so before your appointment, so you should check the latest advice from the NHS (see https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/) or your own hospital. As always, use your common sense – if you are uncertain what to do, check with your doctor or specialist nurse.

If you become unwell

Symptoms of COVID-19 are not specific but include cough, fever and shortness of breath. If you get any of these symptoms, you may have the virus but there are many other causes for one or more of these symptoms. Nonetheless you should call 111 (patients in Scotland are advised to ring their GP surgery if open and 111 if closed); do not go to the surgery or hospital unless specifically advised.

The advice of 12th February suggests people stay at home because they have symptoms of the virus - a cough or a temperature of 37.8° (100°F) or more.

The advice states:

Not to go to work, school, or public areas, use public transport or taxis - or even for a walk

Those with even mild symptoms of infection should stay at least two metres away from other people in their homes, and should sleep alone

Those with confirmed or suspected cases should use a separate bathroom

Use sensible precautions

What you can do to reduce the risk of infection:

Good hand hygiene: wash your hands with soap and water before eating and after contact with other                      people. Hands should be washed properly, and this takes at least 30 seconds. Hand sanitisers are helpful if access to soap and water is limited but is not a substitute for hand washing

Face-masks: even if you can get hold of them, they are of very limited benefit.

Avoid close contact with people, especially those who are ill

If you sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with your sleeve or tissue and put the tissue in a bin straight away

Avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes

PBC Foundation meetings and other public gatherings

The PBC Foundation, following advice from the Medical Advisory Board, has decided to postpone all the various meetings and conferences that are due to take place in the next three months. While we regret the impact, the health and welfare of participants is the priority.

There have been several enquiries from members of the Foundation as to whether they should attend meetings, gatherings and use public transport. The advice is constantly evolving and you should check with one of the sites mentioned above.  

At the present time, the published advice on whether you should avoid public transport, mass gatherings, festivals, concerts or places with crowds is that most people can continue to go to work, school and other public places.

Many large gatherings (over 500 in Scotland) will be postponed or cancelled. However, for those who are at extra risk, because of age, other illnesses (such as diabetes, lung and heart disease, or immunosuppression) or other reasons, it makes good sense to minimise risk and avoid unnecessary exposure while doing your best to continue to maintain a good quality of life. However, the key message is to keep up to date with latest guidance and use your common sense.

Do remember that the situation is changing day by day and advice is changing too. While the information given above, is correct for the date given, check the NHS and Government links given above for the latest guidance,