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COVID-19 & SCD
COVID-19 & Flu
Child in mask

COVID-19 & SCD

Knowledge is power. We've gathered important information to help you and your loved ones affected by SCD feel empowered to make healthy decisions about COVID-19.

What we know

Covid-19 / Coronavirus is a very infectious disease that is typically spread through contact with an infected person.

People with SCD are a high-risk population and stand a greater risk of complications if infected with a viral infection like Covid-19.1

What We Know
Sickle and Red Blood Cells
Symptoms

People with SCD experience the same symptoms as people without SCD.2

Symptoms range from mild to severe and may appear within 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.3

Symptoms may include

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea
Complications

Due to existing conditions related to SCD, complications may arise and will require immediate medical attention. The most likely complication in SCD patients is pneumonia.4

A Covid-19 infection can also trigger an acute pain crisis which may lead to further complications of Acute chest syndrome.5

Stay Safe During Flu Season

Stay Safe During Flu Season

Stay Safe During Flu Season

  • To stay safe, limit high risk exposures by:
    • Staying home if possible
    • Social distancing
    • Avoiding close contact with suspected infected persons
  • Encourage frequent mask wearing
  • Cover your sneezes and coughs by using the crook of your elbow
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with your hand (washed or unwashed)
  • Healthy habits:
    • Wash hands frequently and properly with soap and water for 20 seconds
    • Use hand sanitizers if hand washing is not an option
    • Maintain a healthy diet which includes fruits and vegetables
    • Drink more water; 8-10 glasses a day

SCD Medications & Vaccines: What You Should Know

SCD Medications

SCD Medications & Vaccines: What You Should Know

  • Hydroxyurea
    • Hydroxyurea will not interfere with the Covid vaccine and will not cause any terrible effects.
  • Disease modifying therapies
    • It is safe to continue other medications and therapies with the covid-19 vaccine including Ovoxelotor, crizulizumab, L-gluatmine and chronic transfusions
  • Antibiotics
    • You can continue on your course of antibiotics whilst receiving the covid-19 vaccine. There are no adverse interactions between the medications.
  • Others
    • Over-the-counter painkillers can be taken after covid-19 vaccine to relieve pain and fever from vaccine reactions.6
References:
  1. Panepinto, Julie A., et al. "Coronavirus disease among persons with sickle cell disease, United States, March 20–May 21, 2020." Emerging Infectious Diseases 26.10 (2020): 2473.
  2. Hoogenboom, Wouter S., et al. "Clinical outcomes of COVID-19 in patients with sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait: A critical appraisal of the literature." Blood reviews 53 (2022): 100911.
  3. National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, 2023
  4. Singh, Ashima, Amanda M. Brandow, and Julie A. Panepinto. "COVID-19 in individuals with sickle cell disease/trait compared with other Black individuals." Blood advances 5.7 (2021): 1915-1921.
  5. Umar, Zaryab, Usman Ilyas, and Nso Nso. "Sickle Cell Disease and COVID-19 Infection: Importance of COVID-19 Testing and Approach to Management." Cureus 14.3 (2022).
  6. Gross, P. A., et al. "Vaccine immune response and side effects with the use of acetaminophen with influenza vaccine." Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory Immunology 1.2 (1994): 134-138.