EoE and Covid-19 UK FAQ's The EOS Network Charity, along with Guts UK Charity and The British Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition working group (BSPGHAN) have compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions on Covid-19 and EoE Eosinophilic Oesophagitis. Answers to these questions have been provided in conjunction with the BSPGHAN working group Position Statement: Guidance for HCP treating patients with EoE during Covid-19 outbreak - (Healthcare professionals click here for full details). EoE Working Group, BSPGHAN 28th of April 2020 Marcus Auth, Nadeem Afzal, Joe Chan, Amanda Cordell, Jenny Epstein, Diana Flynn, Mark Furman, Julie Harrington, Lucy Jackman, Vinod Kolimarala, Kerryn Moolenschoot, Christine Spray. Please note Covid-19 is a new (novel) virus and as such, there is a lack of specific data for paediatric EoE patients. Given this and the ongoing updates to government guidelines, the following information may be subject to change. Register here to receive further updates. Covid-19 and EoE UK Frequently Asked Questions Does having EoE increase the risk of contracting Covid-19 and suffering worse symptoms? With the worldwide spread of COVID-19 and more than four million people affected, it is unavoidable that also patients with EoE Eosinophilic Oesopghagitis have to deal with this pandemic. As far as we currently know, patients with EoE Eosinophilic Oesophagitis are not at higher risk of COVID-19 infection or worse symptoms, but further consideration should be made in the event of those with co-existing conditions such as major organ transplant, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, hypertension, malnutrition, cancer, rare immune compromising diseases and those on immunosuppressive drug treatment. Click here for full details on gov.uk Should EoE patients/carers be practising social distancing? Everyone should be following the government rules on ‘social distancing’. Stay alert Only go outside for food, health reasons or work (but only if you cannot work from home) If you go out, stay 2 metres (6ft) away from other people at all times Wash your hands as soon as you get home Do not meet others, even friends or family. You can spread the virus even if you do not have symptoms. Click here for full details of the latest UK ‘social distancing’ guidelines Should EoE patients be shielding? EoE Eosinophilic Oesophagitis patients are not recognised as COVID-19 extremely vulnerable and as such do not need to shield. If the patient has other co-existing conditions seek advice from the relevant specialist. Click here for full details of the latest UK ‘shielding’ guidelines. Should EoE patients change their medications or diet management? Continue to take medications as prescribed, if the treatment course coming to an end to complete the course as initially planned. Treatments include, but not limited to, food elimination diets (e.g. dairy exclusion), proton pump inhibitors (Omeprazole, Lansoprazole) and Oral Viscous Budesonide (OVB). If you are struggling to obtain specialist diet foods or formulas contact your dietitian for advice. Ensure you request online prescriptions for medications, specialised diets and formulas in a timely manner as delivery and prescriptions may take longer than normal. Click here for details of how to register for NHS online repeat prescriptions. What should we do in the event of a severe food impaction (food stuck in oesophagus)? If food gets stuck in the oesophagus and does not pass, go to A&E and then contact your local Paediatric and/or Gastroenterology team. In the event that you should need an emergency endoscope, this would be completed using the NHS trusts established Covid-19 protocols. What should we do if the EoE symptoms are becoming mildly/moderately worse? Call and discuss this with your Gastroenterology and or dietitian specialist team. Will our hospital appointment or planned endoscope be cancelled? To reduce the risks to patients and staff, face to face consultations and endoscopies are not currently advised unless it is an emergency. Most appointments are currently done over the phone (telemedicine) you should usually be contacted by the hospital admin team to confirm this. If you have not heard it maybe be advisable to contact your health care provider service/secretary. On the day of your appointment, you may find it helpful be ready with a list of your questions and symptoms, 30 minutes prior to your appointment time and do not worry, this is a new system for everyone. How does Covid-19 affect other allergies and/or Asthma? It is important to keep your other co-existing conditions well managed. Be prepared to make sure to have adequate supplies of medication as online prescriptions may take longer than normal. Click here for further advice from the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Allergy UK and the Anaphylaxis Campaign. Click here for further information from asthma UK. If you are concerned contact your allergy care provider or GP. What should an EoE patient/carer do if they contract Covid-19? The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are, recent onset of one or both of the following: new continuous cough high temperature (above 37.8°C) Follow NHS 111 advice and instructions click here If you/your child should become seriously ill call 999 Trust your instinct DO NOT WAIT! Due to your child having an existing medical condition it is advisable to be prepared in case you or they should need to be hospitalised. Print a copy of this sheet Click Here Complete the important notes pages - ideally attach a copy of your latest appointment letters. Prepare an overnight bag including medicines, formula, safe snacks and phone charger. Arrange back up care for other dependants if and when necessary. IMPORTANT NOTICE We are currently collaborating with colleagues around the world to gather more specific data to help improve guidance for professionals and patients with EoE through the pandemic. Should you care for someone with an eosinophilic disease who contracts Covid-19 please ensure your gastroenterologist reports your case on the international registry via the link below. https://www.eosnetwork.org/covid-19-eoe-egid-research Print this FAQ sheet here Terms and Conditions Manage Cookie Preferences