Am I at increased risk of COVID-19 infection?
The virus causing COVID-19 infection (called SARS-CoV-2) is a new infection that has not previously affected humans. Therefore, there is no immunity to this infection in the community. The infection appears to be spread by droplets through being exposed to someone who is coughing or sneezing, or by touching contaminated hands, surfaces or objects and then touching the eyes, nose or mouth. The virus appears to be quite contagious and everyone is at equal risk of acquiring it.
The majority of patients with COVID-19 exhibit mild symptoms including a runny nose, sore throat, cough or shortness of breath. Most people with infection do not require significant medical care. More serious infection can result in pneumonia or marked difficulty in breathing.
Should I attend my routine clinic visits?
Please make sure that when you visit the clinic you scan in using Safe WA, show us your proof of COVID-19 vaccination and wear a mask at all times. You must not attend the clinic if you are experiencing symptoms, or if you have been deemed a close contact.
It is important that people with GI and liver conditions remain under care through the COVID-19 outbreak. Hospital clinics and specialists are reducing the numbers of people attending for routine review. Some people with active issues of concern may need to be seen for a face-to-face consultation, however from 13 March 2020, new Medicare item numbers are available for attending a specialist telehealth consultation by videoconference. As older people, and those with chronic illnesses or who are immunosuppressed may be at increased risk if they develop COVID-19 infection, video-conference consultations provide a way of having specialist review without the risk of coming to the clinic. You should contact your specialist to discuss whether a telehealth consultation is appropriate for you.
Should I adjust my medications to reduce my risk of infection?
Your medications were prescribed to manage your medical condition and to keep you condition well controlled. Stopping medication poses a risk for poor disease control. Any adjustments to your medications should only occur in discussion with your treating clinician. If you are unwell with COVID-19 then the doctors treating you may temporarily stop some of your medications. Your specialists should be notified if this happens as alternative medications may be required.