Warrior University is a curriculum-based educational platform, powered by the patients and caregivers of the Sickle Cell Consortium. All current classes, presentations, and workshops are classified into four warrior university pillars:
- Disease Education (ex. The Expert Patient Series)
- Community-Based Organization/Certified Community Advocate Training & Best Practices
- Research, Legislation & Policy
- Warrior/Caregiver Life Skills
Although created, designed for (and by) the sickle cell patient/caregiver population, all classes in each educational series are open to the general public. For more information about Warrior University, visit www.sicklecellconsortium.org/warrioruniversity
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COVID-19 & Sickle Cell Disease: What You Need to Know
Presenter: Biree Andemariam, M.D.
Chief Medical Officer, SCDAA
Chair, SCDAA Medical & Research Advisory Committee (MARAC)
Director, New England Sickle Cell Institute
University of Connecticut Health
Important links:
www.redcrossblood.org
www.sicklecelldisease.org
www.OneSCDVoice.com
www.cdc.gov/covid19
[ Ссылка ]
What is considered a high fever?
A fever in sickle cell disease is 101 degrees or higher.
The COVID-19 symptoms sound the same as acute chest. How do we know the difference?
Yes, the symptoms do mimic acute chest syndrome which is why medical advice is vital. Contact your doctor if you have a fever, shortness of breath or a cough. Sometimes ACS is accompanied by chest pain but not always. This is addressed and provided to the medical community on how to specifically identify ACS via calls. Guidelines are on the SCDAA website as well. Provider guidelines complement the information provided to patients and caregivers.
Since this is a respiratory virus, how should those who use cannabis adjust their behavior to protect their lungs?
They should stop as anything inhaled is a bad idea. Anything inhaled can be an irritant to the lungs. If there are other ways to use cannabis other than inhalation is available, that would be a better option. (personal opinion)
What does an acute chest feel like?
Most complaints are chest pain different from usual pain crises and oftentimes have a cough. They do not always know that oxygen is low until examination. Usually chest pain, cough, and sometimes fever.
I am concerned about my daughter who has sickle cell trait. COVID-19 often results in pneumonia, should those with sickle cell trait be in the at-risk category?
As far as is known, there is not a reason to believe that sickle cell trait causes any serious risk of COVID-19 infection. However, there is a lot we do not know about sickle cell trait.
(unofficial recommendation) practice what everyone across the globe is practicing including social distancing. *
Some believe that anti-malaria drug could be a treatment for COVID-19. As sickle cell trait provides protection from malaria. Your perspective?
There could be a link as sickle cell disease evolved as the trait was protective against severe infection of malaria. Don’t believe there is an exact link. Defer the question for future discussion.
People hear malaria and think about the link between sickle cell trait and malaria. Whereas the discussion is about anti-malaria drug, which targets when malaria attacks the red blood cell. Most of the drugs target the infection stage. However they are not connected to the same reason sickle cell is protective against malaria. The drug works differently, not in the same way the trait is protective. (Dr. Lakiea Bailey)
Do you have any specific advice for Trait Warriors?
Donate blood.
Are you aware of anyone in the sickle cell community who has been diagnosed with COVID-19?
Yes, a handful in various countries around the world. To my knowledge they have all done well, no one has died. There is a registry where the provider can document information about cases within the community. This enables providers across the world to see the difference in outcomes. Also a measure for caregivers to provide what worked to help the individual get better.
There have been both sickle cell patients and caregivers who have been diagnosed with COVID-19.
I am in a home with an essential employee. How can she not expose her niece to the virus? Should she take steps to work from home?
Yes. Particularly if they live with someone who is at a higher risk. Some people cannot work from home, she could try to keep her distance within the home as much as possible. Many medical staff have family members who are at high risk. They have decided to be extra cautious in staying in a different room and sanitize the environment regularly.
VISIT WWW.SICKLECELLCONSORTIUM.ORG FOR A FULL TRANSCRIPT OF THE Q & A WITH DR. ANDEMARIAM
