Important Coronavirus Information for Spinal Cord Injury Survivors

“Preexisting condition” is a term that you probably hear alongside the COVID-19 outbreak again and again. How could living with a spinal cord injury (SCI) affect your body’s response if you come in contact with the novel coronavirus? What are some ways that you can keep yourself safe? Here are some of the tips you need in order to navigate the current global pandemic as a spinal cord injury survivor.

What Are Some of the Risk Factors Regarding COVID-19? 

One of the things that researchers have learned, especially following the outbreak in Italy, is that the older population is at high risk. This is especially true for those who are 60 and over. However, you can also experience severe symptoms if you are younger, so don’t put yourself at risk just because you are under 60.

You also have to consider the ways that an SCI can complicate things for a patient. Consider the following:

• Reduced immunosuppression – Spinal cord injuries can affect the way that your body responds to viruses and bacteria. The spinal cord plays a critical role in helping alert the body to intruders. However, an injured spine may slow or inhibit this process. As a result, your body may find it more challenging to fight a virus or even to detect that you are sick as fast as it should. 
• SCI complications – Diabetes, urinary tract infections (UTIs), pressure sores, inhibited spleen function, and heart disease are all common among SCI survivors. This is especially true if you are living with some degree of paralysis. However, all of these complications that can occur due to an SCI can also complicate your body’s response to COVID-19.

What Does COVID-19 Do to a Person? 

COVID-19 prefers to inhibit lung tissue. As a result, it causes several respiratory problems. If you have difficulty fighting off viruses due to your SCI, or if you have decreased lung function, it can make the novel coronavirus very dangerous. 

Coughing clears the lungs of debris. This is one of the reasons that a cough is among the most common symptoms of coronavirus. While early reports stated that COVID-19 symptoms include a dry cough but not a wet cough, this distinction is no longer current. If you are experiencing a fever, along with any sort of cough and difficulty breathing, it is essential to seek medical attention. 

If you have an ambulance respond to your emergency call, it would be helpful to put on a face covering before the responders arrive. This will help to protect the medical staff if you do have COVID-19. Of course, if you are unable to get to your mask before help arrives, you will still receive care. 

Your best defense against COVID-19 is to avoid coming in contact with the coronavirus. Here are some tips to help you prevent becoming sick in the first place. 

Tips for Preventing COVID-19

The CDC in the US, the NHS in the UK, and many other global health authorities have released lists of directions on how to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Here are a few things you may choose to implement in order to protect both your own health as well as that of others.

• Cover your cough – If you can cough into a tissue, throw it away immediately, and then use hand sanitizer that is alcohol-based. 
• Wash your hands thoroughly – Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds using both soap and water. Hand sanitizer is only a stop-gap until you can get to a place to wash correctly.
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces – Door handles, sink fixtures, tables, and countertops are a few problem spots that require frequent cleaning. 
• Stay in as much as possible – If you perform a necessary service for work, you may still have to go to your job every day. If not, stay home and only go out when you absolutely need to for food or medicine. It’s also good to get some fresh air and exercise if you can do so while maintaining social distancing.
• Wear a face covering – Most people can’t get a medical mask because of the short supply, but you can use a homemade face covering. It’s better than nothing. And remember that the primary reason to cover your face is to protect others. 
• Don’t touch your mouth, nose, or eyes – It can be challenging but save touching your face for after you have thoroughly washed your hands. 

Those are just a few things you can do to keep yourself and others safe. Continue to use reputable medical sites to get your coronavirus information rather than relying on news sites that may be providing opinions, old data, or have other agendas besides keeping you and your loved ones safe.

iAM ABLE Wants You to Be Well and Stay Safe 

At iAM ABLE, we proudly offer SCI recovery programs to help you improve function and regain the optimal amount of independence. From activity-based therapy and functional electrical stimulation to Lokomat therapy and a stationary cycle, we have the perfect blend of technology and traditional care. 

To learn more about our state of the art facility in Miami, Florida, you can call us today at 035.283.9717. We look forward to helping you reach your maximum potential and regain control of your life. Until then, we hope you and your loved ones are well and that you put into practice good habits to help you stay safe during this difficult time.

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