In response to the Fabry patients who have been in touch looking for advice relating to the global Coronavirus (also known as COVID-19) outbreak. Fabry Australia inconjunction with its Medical Advisory Committee have drafted an information sheet. The information below gives some practical general information and links to useful reliable websites. Please note this is only a guide – please ask your own Fabry clinic and Primary Health Care practitioner if you have a query or concern about your situation.
The most up-to-date information about the outbreak, including information for returning travellers, can be found on the gov.au website
https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/news-and-updates/coronavirus-covid-19
The Department of Health has also has up to date advice on what to do if you’ve recently returned from travel abroad, symptoms to look out for, tips to avoid catching or spreading the disease, and action to take if you become unwell.
https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert
There are specific groups of patients who may be more at risk, because of a second condition or a complication of their disease. These include:
those with diabetes
those with chronic lung or heart disease or kidney disease
In addition, those taking specific immunosuppressant medication e.g. following a transplant, may be at extra risk of complications from the virus if they are infected.
Individuals who are concerned that they may have been exposed to Coronavirus
Please call the National Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080 or visit your State or Territory Health website.
NSW https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Pages/coronavirus.aspx
VIC https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
QLD https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19
ACT https://www.health.act.gov.au/public-health-alert/updated-information-about-covid-19
for advice. This guidance has been reviewed by the Medical Advisory Committee and Fabry Australia. Version dated: 15th March 2020.
Individuals who may be asked to self-isolate
If you or other members of your immediate household are asked to self-isolate or present for Coronavirus testing, then
let your metabolic team / Fabry Clinic know (this will help us with planning)
do not attend any routine outpatient appointments at the hospital but instead contact your metabolic team / Fabry Clinic to discuss if another form of appointment is needed e.g. by telephone or video if available.
If you are unwell
If you feel that you are unwell and need to attend hospital for immediate / urgent treatment for your condition or are advised to do so by your Primary Health Care Provider, then please do this. Give the contact details of your Fabry Clinic team to the hospital staff so that we can be phoned for advice.
Please be reassured that the State Fabry Clinic services will aim to support all patients through this outbreak and that the metabolic pharmacists have a national network and will be able to quickly transfer specific specialist medications to different parts of Australia as required.
If you have other specific queries or concerns about your condition, then please contact your own Fabry Disease Clinic Team / Co-ordinator to discuss these further.
