Information in this article has been provided by AOECS member societies and their Scientific Advisory Lists.
The world is facing a new illness – Coronavirus (COVID-19) – that mostly affects the lungs and airways. As this is a new disease, there is no research, so far, linking coeliac disease and this new virus. Nevertheless, we know that there’s a lot of concern about its relation and many fake news around this topic. As members of Coeliac Youth of Europe (CYE), we wanted to provide you with trustworthy information.
Firstly, let’s be positive! According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the majority recover from the virus without the need for special treatment. The most common symptoms are fever, tiredness, dry cough, aches, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea.
However, severe manifestations can take place, and this usually occurs in the elderly and in individuals who have diseases such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, advanced diabetes and chronic respiratory disease. Likewise, people with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention because, apart from developing more symptoms, they can spread the virus in their social circles.
In this regard, thus far, it hasn’t been stated that having coeliac disease increases the risk of infection or the severity of the disease.
Though, as stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), if coeliacs are taking corticosteroids and other immunosuppressant medications, they are at increased risk for COVID-19. “While not typically used for coeliac disease, these medications are often used to treat other autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, which those with coeliac disease are at higher risk of also having.”
If coeliac disease is carefully controlled and there’s strict compliance with the gluten-free diet, the coeliacs’ immune system is in a similar state to the rest of the population and, consequently, the vulnerability to COVID-19 should not be distinct from that of the general population.
This way, how should you prepare for COVID-19? We have some recommendations for you:
- We know it can be hard to find gluten-free products in the supermarket during these times. Try to ask the store manager about what time they receive the gluten-free deliveries and arrange that; if you live in a small town and need to go a bit far away to buy gluten free food, bring some medical information with you to explain to the authorities if needed.
- Do not panic and buy more than what you need as other celiacs may need to buy gluten free food too. The supply food chain is still working as always to provide supermarkets and groceries.
- Remember you won’t have any problem finding gluten free food by nature, such as fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, milk, eggs, and so on.
- Avoid being exposed to COVID-19 so keep your distance between yourself and other people, particularly if the virus is spreading in your community; follow the recommendations made for each government, try to go out as less as possible (once a week to buy food or go to the pharmacy). Stay home, stay safe.
- Frequent hand washing! This is very important particularly before eating and after sneezing, coughing, blowing your nose and going outside: if soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content.
- Get a small stock of your prescription medications and have a small supply of gluten-free cold and flu type medications.
Stay safe, this will pass, and stay positive 💪✌