Guidance
UPDATED ON OCTOBER 8, 2020
The Scientific and Medical Advisory Council and COVID-19 Task Force of Crohn’s and Colitis Canada has made recommendations for people affected by inflammatory bowel disease.
Please be aware that what we know about COVID-19 and how it acts in people with IBD is changing rapidly and so these recommendations may change. We will do our best to update these recommendations as new evidence emerges.
These recommendations should supplement, but not replace the recommendations made by your doctor or the national public health authority. Please speak to your healthcare provider if you have any further questions.
Crohn's and Colitis Canada thanks its COVID-19 Task Force for their contributions and guidance in creating this document.
TRAVEL and Distancing
Get recomendations for travel and physical (social) distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Learn more here.
Are you at Risk?
Not everyone is at the same risk of serious COVID-19 disease. Our experts have provided guidance so people living with IBD can find out what their level of risk is and what they should do.
Learn more here.
Reopening of the Economy
Some provinces and territories are starting to re-open the economy, including stores, schools, and outdoor activities. Experts provide recommendations to help you decide whether to continue self-isolation, or to start engaging in activities outside of your home.
Learn more here.
MEDICATIONS
Do not discontinue IBD medications, unless recommended to do so by a medical health care practitioner. Get guidance for immunosuppressant, biologic or biosimilar, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and steroid medications.
Learn more here.
Children and teens
Not everyone is at the same risk of serious COVID-19 disease. Children and adolescents may be more likely to have mild symptoms of COVID-19. See our guidance when it comes to children with IBD during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Learn more here.
Family Members of IBD Patients
Family members of people living with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis will want to take extra special precautions to ensure the person with IBD can keep their risk of contracting COVID-19 to a minimum.
Learn more here.
Essential Work and Services
Some people affected by IBD work on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure that the public has access to essential services or treatment. Get expert advice on making decisions and how to get support in the workplace.
Learn more here.
If you TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID-19
Find out from the experts about what you should do if you contract COVID-19 including medication use and the impact of active disease.
Learn more here.
Pregnancy and Newborns
Whether you are pregnant or not, and whether there is COVID-19 or not, the most important thing for pregnant people with IBD is to stay mentally and physically healthy. See our expert recommendations about being pregnant with Crohn's or colitis during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Learn more here.
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