What Should a Person with Cancer Do If They Develop COVID-19?

In December 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic changed all our lives. Anxiety grew until effective COVID-19 vaccines became widely available, and millions died from the disease (the official death toll was 6.4 million as of 5 August 2022). Vaccines and changes in the coronavirus subtypes dominating the pandemic have since made the situation more manageable and less worrying. Nevertheless, waves in which infection spreads faster continue to occur.

Some people are more susceptible and vulnerable to COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2. People with cancer are among them. Most of our patients have now received at least 4 coronavirus vaccine doses and generally experience mild illness if infected. Even so, they have many questions, particularly about which medicines to take. The rest of this article addresses these questions.

I Think I Have COVID-19. What Should I Do?

If you think you may have COVID-19, get tested. If a rapid test is positive, arrange a confirmatory PCR test.

Remember that you can still develop COVID-19 after vaccination, although the risk is low and illness is more likely to be mild.

If fever and respiratory symptoms begin, call your oncology team or attend a healthcare centre for a COVID-19 test. If simple painkillers such as Parol do not control your fever—or, more importantly, if you have difficulty breathing or new confusion—we recommend attending the emergency department of the hospital where you receive treatment.

• Related topic: Can People with Confirmed or Suspected COVID-19 Use Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Painkillers?

COVID-19 Has Been Confirmed. What Should I Do?

Staying home when ill is the best way to avoid passing this and other respiratory viruses, such as influenza, to others. If you live with someone, isolate in part of the home if possible to reduce the risk of infecting other household members.

Which Medicines Can People with Cancer and COVID-19 Use?

We recommend that all people with cancer be fully vaccinated against coronavirus and receive additional doses. In Türkiye, we recommend that our patients have received 4 doses of BioNTech’s mRNA vaccine.

NOTE: Patients with normal liver function tests may take 2 tablets of a paracetamol-containing medicine up to 4 times a day.

For our patients with cancer who develop COVID-19, we have no routine recommendations beyond rest, simple painkillers/fever reducers and Covinavir if supplied by the Ministry.

Also, for COVID-19 treatment at home:

• There are insufficient data to support treatments such as convalescent serum, corticosteroids and favipiravir.
• The antimalarial hydroxychloroquine, alone or combined with other drugs, is not recommended for COVID-19.
• Ivermectin should not be used to treat COVID-19.

Dexamethasone, a steroid/corticosteroid, may benefit patients with COVID-19 severe enough to require hospitalisation. Studies found it may help save lives in people needing oxygen therapy or ventilation.

Numerous scientific studies have shown that, in COVID-19 treatment, vitamin C, vitamin D and other supplements provide no additional benefit. No study demonstrates an added benefit of aspirin for patients with COVID-19 being treated at home.

RELATED TOPICS:

• Approach Preprint Vitamin D Studies on COVID-19 with Caution
• No, High-Dose Vitamin C Does Not Treat Coronavirus! FDA Approval Is Limited to Scurvy

When Should You Go to Hospital?

If a patient develops worsening cough, deterioration in their general condition, shortness of breath or confusion, they should attend the emergency department of their treating hospital.

Can I Resume Cancer Treatment After COVID-19?

Your oncology team will want a negative COVID-19 test before restarting cancer treatment. However, some patients with COVID-19 continue to test positive even after symptoms resolve. Do not be alarmed; repeat testing at 2-3-day intervals.

The same rules apply when returning to work and social life. Vaccination against COVID-19 is the safest approach. If unvaccinated, avoid crowded settings and physical proximity as much as possible, and always wear a mask.

Finally, make sure you receive a flu vaccine during flu season. This may help protect you and those around you.