Our senior citizens are most vulnerable to Coronavirus. Given their low immunity, the virus is known to hit them hard and cause multiple health complications. And if in such a condition an elderly person is fighting cancer, the immune system gets further compromised and things might get even more difficult for them during the unlock phase when people and movement has started and the virus is spreading more rapidly.

But that in no way means that our aging family members should lose heart or feel low. It calls for some more care and attention, no doubt. If you too are a senior member of our society and living with an immuno-compromised condition or co-morbidity, here are a few tips and measures for you to follow:

1. Accepting changes: Your treatment might undergo some changes to reduce the risk of infection from exposure by frequent visits to the hospital. You may be advised to stop your chemotherapy or choose a switch from an infusion therapy to oral therapy. While your doctor will be the best judge of how effective the switch is, but it will help if you also cooperate with him, by being open to a change of treatment. Ask your doctor as many questions as you may want to and get clarity on the new course but a positive and open-minded approach will protect you. 

2. Using alternatives: Keeping your doctor and yourself up to date is highly important when fighting cancer. But in the current situation having one-on-one consultation and regular visits for check ups might be risky for your health. Hence, try to communicate and update your health status with your physician through phone calls rather than face-to-face check-ups. 
If you are receiving oral treatment for which monitoring can be done remotely, discuss with your doctor if he can allow you to continue the medication for at least 3 courses to reduce access to the hospital. 

3. Confirm twice: If you need to visit the hospital, make sure you confirm your appointment with the doctor or the staff before you go to the hospital. Avoid reaching very early or very late to reduce any chances of waiting for your turn as that might increase your exposure. If you must wait, then ideally wait in your car rather than hang around in the hospital waiting room or cafetaria. Once back from the hospital, it is suggested that you take a bath and put your clothes for washing at high temperature.
PS: A new rule in most hospitals might check you for COVID-19 symptoms before your appointment and if you show signs of fever or respiratory issues, you might be asked to take a COVID test before the appointment.

4. When going to the hospital alone: You might not be able to bring a caregiver or a family member with you to an appointment, including infusions since hospitals do not want crowding in the current scenario. It is highly possible for you to feel lonely and anxious, hence ask your doctor if you can keep your caregiver or family member on call or video call during your appointment for the necessary moral support.

5. Other important things to keep in mind while taking care of yourself during the COVID times:

a.) Avoid crowded places - even if you avoid hospitals and appointments, make sure you try and avoid visits to supermarkets and grocery stores as much as possible.

b.) If you have to travel in any case, make sure to follow social distancing with people to protect yourself.

c.) Also, keep a small bottle of sanitizer ready when moving out.

d.) Wear PPE or the CDC prescribed essential clothing when you attend hospital for check-ups and treatments.

e.) Try and avoid having any physical contact with friends and relatives with COVID-19 symptoms or who are living in hospital and containment zones. Use virtual connection rather than physical.

f.) Follow the trend of washing your hands, not touching your face and using sanitizers with 60% alcohol as indicated by the World Health Organization (WHO). 

g.) Look after your diet and follow the prescribed routine for healthy living including proper nutrition, medication and sleep cycle.