Sickle cell anemia and Covid-19: All you need to know

People of any age with sickle cell anemia may be at an increased risk of developing Covid-19 (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

He further shared that according to the results of two recent studies from the USA, it was found that patients with sickle cell anemia had up to 6 times higher risk for Covid-19 related death compared to the general population. This shouldn’t come as a surprise as previous studies had shown that individuals with sickle cell anemia have worse outcomes with influenza infection when compared to others. “Moreover, most of the patients with sickle anemia have coexisting kidney, heart and lung ailments that may increase risk of morbidity and death in this population. Long-term effects of COVID-19 on patients with sickle cell anemia will be clear only with clinical studies in the future,” he explained.

Since people of any age with sickle cell anemia may be at an increased risk of developing serious Covid-19 related symptoms, they should take extra precautions to prevent getting infected. It is advisable that they stock up on essential medicines and supplies that can last for a few weeks. “These patients should be following recommended precautions such as wearing masks, washing hands regularly and social distancing. It is important that healthcare workers are aware that patients of any age with sickle cell anemia are a high-risk group, and ensure that care and treatment is provided to these patients in shortest time possible,” the expert suggested.

There is a significant overlap in symptoms of Covid-19 and those of sickle cell anemia such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Health care workers should test these patients for Covid and other infectious pathogens and have a low threshold for imaging. COVID-19 most commonly presents in a diffuse manner involving both lungs whereas infiltrates due to pneumonia and consolidation are often localised.

Patients should immediately consult their physician if they develop any exacerbations of symptoms. “If vaccination with Covishield is considered, health care providers should be aware of the potential for the development of thrombosis (clots) in blood vessels accompanied by low platelet counts, 1 to 4 weeks after vaccination,” he cautioned.