COVID-19

COVID-19 presents important challenges for people affected by Scleroderma. This page puts together available resources and pertinent information for Scleroderma patients, as well as the initiatives to support the organization and patients during these difficult times.

COVID-10 and VACCINATION

COVID-19 is the disease caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, a new virus first detected in December 2019 in the city of Wuhan, China.

In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of COVID-19 a global  pandemic. In Quebec, in February 2021 we are in the second wave of this pandemic with more than 270,000 cases and more than 10,000 deaths.

To date, no medication is recommended to prevent or treat coronavirus infection. However, supportive treatments may be offered depending on the symptoms experienced and their severity. Although specific treatments are being studied and tested in clinical trials to assess their safety and efficacy, there is currently no evidence-based treatment available for COVID-19.

Vaccines for COVID-19 have been studied in clinical trials and approved for use against this disease. This raises the hope for a return to a life situation free from the adverse consequences of COVID-19.

To access the full document regarding vaccinations, click here.

Answers to your questions!

Immunosuppression is a risk factor, and having an interstitial lung disease (ILD) or Scleroderma without an ILD puts you at a slightly higher risk.

If you have an interstitial lung disease or are immunosuppressed, you must stay home and isolate yourself.

You have questions? Please view this videoforum captured on March 21 2020.

« Scleroderma & COVID-19 : A conversation with the experts »

Participants were invited to submit their questions concerning COVID-19 and Scleroderma in advance via an online Qualtrics questionnaire or to ask their questions directly to a team of five experienced panelists. Mrs. Maureen Sauvé, Dr. Janet Pope, Dr. John Varga, Dr. Don Sheppard and Dr. Brett Thombs. By typing them into the discussion section of GotoMeeting.

You can access a transcript of the questions and answers here!