General Instructions/informations regarding COVID 19 for cancer patients and their caregivers: 1) What is COVID 19? The 2019 novel (new) coronavirus, named SARS-CoV-2, causes the disease COVID-19, a respiratory illness which is currently spreading at a global scale and has become a pandemic. 2) How does COVID 19 spread? The disease can spread from person to person, through small droplets from the nose or mouth that may spread when a person coughs or sneezes. It can also spread by touching a surface that the droplets have landed on and then touching their eyes, nose, or mouth. 3) Who are more susceptible for COVID 19? Elderly people, patients with chronic diseases like diabetes, heart diseases and cancer are more susceptible for acquiring COVID 19. 4) What are the symptoms of COVID -19? Patients with COVID-19 typically have mild to severe respiratory illness. Common symptoms include: Fever, Coughing, Shortness of breath. Symptoms typically appear within 2-14 days after exposure, although new data suggests that some people infected with the disease are contagious even before they develop symptoms. 5) Should all cancer treatments be stopped due to fear of COVID 19? Currently there are no clear cut guidelines to stop cancer treatment in all patients only because of fear of acquiring COVID 19.Please discuss in detail with your treating oncologist regarding pros and cons of your cancer treatment during the current situation. It is generally advisable to continue treatment or chemotherapy with all due precautions especially if the intent of cancer treatment is Curative. Since Cancer is a semiemergency it is of utmost importance to balance benefit versus risk of progression of cancer without treatment. If you are scheduled for cancer treatments during the COVID-19 outbreak, have a discussion with your oncologist about the benefits and risks of continuing or delaying treatment. If you are not scheduled for cancer treatment but are scheduled for an appointment with your oncologist, it may be possible for the doctor to conduct the visit using videoconferencing or telemedicine. Please do not stop or avoid treatment on your own. 6) What precautions should cancer patients take to protect themselves from the virus? The advice for patients with cancer is basically the same as for the general population: a) Wash hands frequently with sanitizer or soap and water and avoid touching your face as much as possible. b) Avoid contact with people known to be infected with the virus or with those showing symptoms of infection. c) Avoid crowds and situations where you’re likely to be less than six feet from other. d) Keep number of unwanted visitors or guests limited e) While coming for cancer treatment to the hospital, preferably use personal transport and always use face mask. Use public transportation only when necessary and with all precautions and wash hands after using any public facility. Avoid multiple attendants or overcrowded public transport to reduce chances of exposure. 7) Is there anything you can do to strengthen your immune system/Protect from COVID 19? As a general rule, nothing is more important than social distancing. Do not take any medicines to prevent COVID 19 without consulting your doctor and oncologist.Try to get plenty of sleep, drink enough fluids, and eat right and spend quality time with your beloved family!! #Stayhome#Staysafe #COVID19andcancertreatment #Fightcancer #Oncowin #drrahulkulkarni #oncologistinpune