There are not yet conclusive data on the accrued risk of complications associated with COVID-19 in patients with neuromuscular disease. However, for these patients, there is no higher risk of contracting the disease. For now, it is considered that some patients with neuromuscular disease can have a higher risk of developing complications, independently of the diagnosed disease, in particular if the disease: Involves the respiratory muscles and / or conditions deformities of the vertebral column posture (kyphoscoliosis), that can manifest with respiratory difficulties and the need of non-invasive ventilation and / or cough assist equipment; Conditions the difficulty swallowing; Also has manifestations in the cardiac muscle (cardiac disease). Or further: If the patient is receiving treatment with medication that affects immunity; If there are other diseases associated that increase the risk (for instance, pulmonary disease, hypertension, etc.). If you have a neuromuscular disease, it is very important: Not to interrupt or alter the treatment, for the risk of aggravation / decompensation of the disease is higher, than the eventual risk of complications due to COVID-19 infection associated with medication; If you have doubts about medication, contact your attending doctor. And do not forget the following precautions, if your disease has the aforementioned characteristics: Observe a stricter social distancing, preferably being confined to your home and only going to public places (supermarket, pharmacy, hospital) when strictly necessary; Maintain a safe distance of at least 1 meter from other people; Sanitize frequently your hands (washing with water and soap or alcoholic solutions); Use a surgical mask; Observe and carry on the therapeutics in progress; If you were under a daily rehabilitation program, you should adapt it to the confinement conditions and maintain a routine of adapted exercises to do at home. Recommendations to caretakers: The use of non-invasive ventilation and / or cough assist equipment favours the production of aerosols. Therefore, for his own protection, the caregiver should use a mask. Consequences of infection by COVID-19 in patients with neuromuscular diseases: Symptoms similar to those of the flu, such as fever, muscle pain, fatigue, shortness of breath. Recommendations in case of infection by COVID-19: Maintain hydration and control fever and pain with analgesic and / or anti-inflammatory medication; Patients with difficulty swallowing or coughing have a higher risk of developing respiratory difficulty during infection by COVID-19 and, therefore, should be more alert to symptoms such as fatigue and shortness of breath; Follow the recommendations of the General Directorate for Health and the orientation of your health team; Be always alert to the evolution of the symptoms associated with infection by COVID-19. If there is clinical aggravation, contact your health teams. Author : Miguel Oliveira Santos Meet the Neurology team of Hospital da Luz network. Click here for more information and advice of Hospital da Luz about the novel coronavírus COVID-19 epidemic . The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
