What Transplant Patients Need to Know During the Pandemic?

We’ve been getting a lot of questions about the coronavirus from our transplant patients lately. I gathered your questions and answered them for you. I hope it will be useful. The coronavirus is not stronger than the measures we will take. We will come out of this process stronger by taking our precautions without panicking.

Are Transplant Patients at Higher Risk for the Virus?

There is no definite information that the COVID-19 infection in transplant patients will be more severe than in healthy people. However, viruses can often cause more serious illness in people with low immune systems, such as transplant patients. The coronavirus is mostly transmitted through close or direct contact with someone who has the virus. Although symptoms are evident in some people, while some people do not have symptoms, people may be carriers of the virus. For this reason, it is extremely important to take the necessary precautions to prevent the transmission of infection.

Should I Stop Using Medications Given After Organ Transplantation?

The drugs we give to prevent organ rejection after organ transplantation suppress the immune system. For this reason, transplant patients can be considered in the ‘high risk’ group. Since the drugs given are drugs that must be used very carefully, they are important to protect the health of the patients. All patients should continue to take their medication as prescribed, unless otherwise directed by their +doctor. Always consult your doctor before starting a new medication.

Should transplant patients wear masks in public places?

The benefit of wearing a mask in public is controversial, even for transplant patients. Most surgical masks do not fit tightly and aerosols can pass through. But it can prevent you from touching your nose and mouth with your hands all day long. We recommend transplant patients to wear masks. However, the most important precaution is that transplant patients stay away from crowded environments.

What Should I Do If I Have a Fever, Cough, and Sneeze?

Notify your transplant center.
Do not go out as much as possible, stay at home.
Wear a surgical mask when going to the hospital or transplant clinic.

What Should I Do If A Family Member / Colleague Is Diagnosed With COVID-19?

The transplant patient must notify the transplant coordinator if they contact someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19. The transplant patient should be monitored for symptoms and contact transplant coordinators if fever, cough, or shortness of breath develops. Currently, there is no approved vaccine or medication to treat or prevent the infection, but clinical trials are in development.

Is it Safe to Go to the Hospital for an Appointment?

By the health authorities, patients are evaluated in the hospital for the risk of COVID-19 and if the suspicion is high, these patients are isolated. However, if there is no emergency, it would be appropriate to postpone your appointment.

Will the transplant operations of the patients waiting for the transplant be postponed?

Our priority is always the safety of our patients. Currently, transplant surgeries for those in critical state are not postponed. However, we carefully evaluate both recipients and donors to ensure there is no risk of COVID-19. According to the results of our reliable tests and chest X-rays, we start the transplant process after we are sure that there is no coronavirus in both individuals. If the recipient or potential living donor has recently been exposed to infection or there are any risk factors, we postpone the transplant surgery.

What Kind of Rules Are Available for Pre- and Post-Transplant Patients?

We recommend that both pre-transplant and post-transplant patients avoid ill people and crowds. It is also recommended that all patients try to stay at home and wash their hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol-based disinfectants.

How Should Transplant Patients Protect Themselves Against Coronavirus?

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds.
If soap and water are not available, use cologne or disinfectant containing 60% alcohol.
In case of coughing and sneezing, cover your mouth with a tissue or the inside of your elbow.
Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose with your hands.
Drink plenty of fluids, eat a balanced diet, and pay attention to your sleep pattern.
Follow the social distancing rule. Stay at home as much as possible and keep distance between you and other people if you need to go out.
Avoid close contact. Avoid crowded areas. Stay at home, do not go out as much as possible.
If you work, try to work from home.
Disinfect touched objects and surfaces every day.
Do not share personal belongings.
Ventilate your room often.
Adjust your social distance at home with family members.
Avoid all travel for now.
Make sure you have enough medicine.