Health Checklists and Resources for Living With an IBD During the Coronavirus Pandemic Everyday Health Menu NewslettersSearch Coronavirus: Must-Know Info Digestive Health A Guide to Living With Crohn s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis During the COVID-19 Pandemic Help Resources and Making a Personal Checklist By Quinn PhillipsMedically Reviewed by Kareem Sassi, MD Reviewed: May 27, 2020 Medically Reviewed People with IBD should continue to take prescribed medications and talk to their doctor immediately if they're experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.iStock (2) The current coronavirus pandemic can be scary for almost everyone — and especially for people with chronic health conditions like Crohn’s disease and Managing Chronic Diseases During the COVID-19 Pandemic Recorded 5/28/20. Self isolation and fears about COVID-19 pose a whole new set of challenges for people with chronic conditions. Hear from three patients on how they manage their chronic conditions during the pandemic. How Contracting COVID-19 May Affect Crohn s and UC What we know so far about how COVID-19 affects people with Crohn’s and UC, and about risks for developing the viral illness and its complications in this group, is based mostly on voluntary reports from doctors to a database called Does Having Crohn s or UC Put You at Higher Risk of Contracting COVID-19 So far, “there is no evidence that IBD patients are more susceptible to catching COVID-19,” says Featured What You Need to Know About the New Coronavirus if You Have Asthma COVID-19 and People With MS Are We at Higher Risk What People With Heart Disease Need to Know About COVID-19 Food Safety and COVID-19 A Guide for Safe Grocery Shopping How Will Crohn s and UC Be Affected if You Test Positive for COVID-19 Right now, there is no evidence that COVID-19 causes attacks of Crohn’s and UC, says Cohen. But in some people, the viral disease may have Your Crohn s and UC Treatment Checklist During This Pandemic How to Be Prepared The goal for everyone, including people with Crohn’s and UC, should be to avoid contracting COVID-19 by following the recommendations of health authorities. But it’s also important to be prepared in case you do develop the disease, and to stay in touch with your healthcare team if it happens. Are There Changes to Formal Crohn s and UC Treatment Guidelines to Follow Medical organizations that are relevant to Crohn’s and UC — such as the American College of Gastroenterology, the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, and the American Gastroenterological Association — have issued a number of guidelines aimed at limiting the spread of the infection — such as new protocols and more protective equipment for endoscopic procedures. There is also evidence that limiting the use of A Top Pharmacist' s Tips for Safely Ordering Meds Online Recorded 5/27/20. How to manage medications during the COVID-19 pandemic. Are There Any Prescribed Medications That May Now Be Unsafe to Take Due to COVID-19 As noted in a report based on the SECURE-IBD database, Featured Rheumatologists Offer First Coronavirus Guidance for Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment, Despite Limited Data The American College of Rheumatology releases preliminary advice for doctors treating people with rheumatic disease during the coronavirus crisis, urging patients work with doctors.… Learn More What Resources Are Available if You Can No Longer Afford Your Medications A number of resources may help you access medications for Crohn’s and UC if you’ve lost income or your health insurance because of the economic fallout from COVID-19. Talk to your doctor about your situation if this applies to you. Your doctor’s office may be able to help you apply for prescription assistance programs, or directly access such programs on your behalf for in-office drug infusions. Most major drug manufacturers offer some type of patient assistance program. You can find more information about this by visiting the official website of any drug you take and looking for links related to financial assistance.Other potentially useful resources include Sponsored Advertising Content A Consumer’s Guide to Drug Discounts Have you ever had to choose between buying groceries or paying the rent and filling a drug prescription? Have you or has someone you know ever skipped taking medication because of the cost? You’re not alone.… Learn More What Can Someone With Crohn s or UC Take to Safely Boost Their Immune System The most important steps to keeping your immune system healthy, and protecting yourself against COVID-19, include taking medications as prescribed, Editor' s Picks Can a Supplement Protect Me Against COVID-19 6 Dangerous Home Remedies for Protecting Yourself Against COVID-19 The Top Foods High in Vitamin C — and Why the Nutrient Is So Critical 10 Best Food Sources of Zinc Managing Crohn s and UC Mental Health COVID-19 Concerns and You Fear of contracting COVID-19, along with the Featured Boxed In: COVID-19 and Your Mental Health Experts share their insights on managing mental and emotional health in the shadow of the coronavirus pandemic.… Learn More Managing Crohn s- and UC-Related Doctor s Appointments Even during the current pandemic, it’s important to stay current with Crohn’s and UC appointments, tests, and treatments. But due to the necessity of limiting the spread of the viral disease, the way you interact with the healthcare system is now likely to look different from how it used to. Should You Continue to Go to Regularly Scheduled Doctor s Appointments You should continue to see your doctor for regular appointments through telemedicine, if possible. Many gastroenterology practices across the country have embraced telehealth appointments because of COVID-19. “Telemedicine has been critical for the delivery of healthcare not just for IBD, Featured The Best Telemedicine Apps to Use During the Coronavirus Pandemic If you don’t have to go to a doctor’s office, don’t! Get the help you need online.… Learn More Why Long-Term Health Planning Is More Critical Than Ever for People With Chronic Conditions Recorded 5/29/20. COVID-19 has made long-term health planning more critical than ever for people with chronic conditions. 5 Expert Tips for Living With Crohn s and UC During the Coronavirus Pandemic Trusted Resources We Love to Help Those With Crohn s and UC in COVID-19 Times The following websites and organizations provide useful information and support on living with Crohn’s and UC during the COVID-19 pandemic. Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation Most Recent in Digestive Health What People With IBD Need to Know About COVID-19 Tips for Living Through the COVID-19 Pandemic When You Have an IBD What to Know About Telemedicine if You Have Crohn s NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Digestive Health Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The Latest in Digestive Health Gut Check: Can Cookie Dough Really Harm Your Gut? 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