What is coronavirus?

The new coronavirus was first detected in China in late 2019. This coronavirus has been named SARS-CoV-2. It causes the respiratory disease COVID-19 (which stands for coronavirus disease 2019).

The new coronavirus has spread to many countries, including the U.S. Most cases of COVID-19 are mild. However, some cases are severe and can lead to death.

People who are older or who have other health conditions such as heart disease, lung disease or diabetes, appear more at risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19. According to the American Cancer Society and the American Society of Clinical Oncology people with cancer, especially those in active treatment whose immune systems may be weakened, are at an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

For the latest information on the coronavirus, visit The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

Am I at risk of getting coronavirus?

Most people in the U.S. are unlikely to have been exposed to coronavirus. However, if you’ve recently traveled to an affected country, or if you’ve been in close contact with someone who has, you may have been exposed.

Since COVID-19 is now in the U.S., the CDC cautions that an outbreak (when a large number of people suddenly get sick) could happen in your community.

If a COVID-19 outbreak happens in your community, your local public health department may recommend community actions to reduce people’s risk of being exposed to COVID-19. The CDC has tips to prepare and take action for COVID-19.

Check the CDC website and your local public health department website for the latest information.

What are the symptoms of coronavirus?

Common symptoms of coronavirus are:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

These symptoms tend to appear 2-14 days after exposure to coronavirus. However, a person may be contagious before symptoms appear.

If you have symptoms and have traveled to an affected country or have been in contact with someone who’s been diagnosed with COVID-19, call your doctor.

What can I do to protect myself and my family?

To avoid being exposed to coronavirus, the CDC recommends everyone:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This is especially important after going to the bathroom, before eating, before touching your face, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.
• Ask people who come to your home to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer when they arrive.

If I have breast cancer, is there anything else I should do?

There are no extra precautions for most people who have completed cancer treatment.

However, if you’re on chemotherapy or immunotherapy, or you have metastatic breast cancer, your immune system may be weakened. This means you have an increased risk of getting very sick from COVID-19. The CDC advises you take these extra steps:

• Avoid crowds as much as possible
• Avoid cruise travel and non-essential air travel
• When out in public, stay away from those who are sick and wash your hands often
• If there’s an outbreak in your community, stay home as much as possible

If you have symptoms and have traveled to an affected country or have been in contact with someone who’s been diagnosed with COVID-19, call your doctor.

If you don’t have symptoms, you don’t need a facemask

The CDC recommends facemasks only be used by people who have symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.

If you are well, you don’t need a facemask to protect yourself from COVID-19.

Can I travel?

If you have travel plans, check the CDC website for recommendations on postponing or canceling travel.

Coronavirus Resources

The Alphonse Breast Cancer Foundation Breast Care Helpline 772.207.0874 can provide information, psychosocial support and help with coping strategies related to anxiety or concerns during these uncertain times. The service is offered in English and Creole from 9:00a.m. – 10:00p.m. ET. You can also email the helpline at helpline@alphonsebreastcancer.foundation.

Here are additional resources from trusted sources you may find helpful. Keep in mind this is a rapidly evolving situation and some of this information is likely to change.

• CDC: Coronavirus (COVID-19)
  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
• ACS: Common Questions About the New Coronavirus Outbreak
  https://www.cancer.org/latest-news/common-questions-about-the-new-coronavirus-outbreak.html
• NCI: Coronavirus: What People with Cancer Should Know https://www.cancer.gov/contact/emergency-preparedness/coronavirus?cid=eb_govdel

How to Manage Cancer Care during COVID-19 Pandemic

Experts from the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA)—a Member Institution of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) are sharing insights and advice on how to continue providing optimal cancer care during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. SCCA includes the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and the University of Washington, which are located in the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States. Click here to read more.