CDC Indicates that Thalassemia Patients are at Higher Risk for Severe Illness from COVID-19
May 12, 2020 – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued revised guidance indicating that people with Hemoglobin Disorders – including thalassemia and sickle cell disease – may be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. They suggest that patients with thalassemia: (1) Ask their healthcare providers about telemedicine or remote healthcare visits, and know when to visit the emergency department; (2) Work with their healthcare providers to manage their medications and therapies for thalassemia (including hydroxyurea, chelation therapy, and blood transfusions) and any other health conditions they may have (such as diabetes, high blood pressure, pain and arthritis); and (3) Let friends and family know about the need for blood donations. Further information about this new CDC guidance can be found at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/groups-at-higher-risk.html#hemoglobin-disorders