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GPs should monitor cystic fibrosis patients ‘closely’ during pandemic, says NICE

GPs should monitor patients with cystic fibrosis ‘closely’ during the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, a new rapid guideline from NICE has said.

The guideline on managing cystic fibrosis during the pandemic said that these patients ‘may be at greater risk of rapid deterioration if they contract Covid-19’.

GPs should tell patients to take ‘rescue medication’ and contact their cystic fibrosis team if they have an exacerbation, following any previous advice, it added.

It said: ‘Tell patients, their families and carers to follow the advice they have previously been given about what to do if they have an exacerbation, including taking rescue medication and contacting their cystic fibrosis team.’

Patients, their families and their carers should also be advised to contact their cystic fibrosis team as well as NHS 111 if they think the patient may have coronavirus as soon as symptoms appear, NICE said.

It added: ‘Be aware that symptoms of Covid‑19 and pulmonary disease exacerbations may be difficult to differentiate at initial presentation.’

GPs should advise patients with cystic fibrosis to continue any usual self-care arrangement such as airway clearance techniques and prophylactic medication including inhaled and oral antibiotics, NICE said.

The guideline added that although GPs should minimise face-to-face contact to reduce the risk of infection to patients with cystic fibrosis – who should follow shielding guidelines – ‘routine’ childhood vaccinations should ‘continue to take place’ at practices.


          

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