Getting treatment during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Can steroids suppress the immune system during the Coronavirus pandemic?
One way in which steroids affect inflammation is by a by suppressing it. As the immune system plays a major role in your body’s ability to fight infections steroids will therefore also potentially affect your body’s ability to fight infections. There is very little research or data to guide on this matter in terms of the exact increase in risk. It is important that any patients considering a corticosteroid injection are aware of the fact that corticosteroids could theoretically
- Increase the likelihood of contracting the Coronavirus due to its immune-suppressant effect
- Inhibit their body’s ability to fight the COVID-19 virus if contracted.
- Could potentially make the patients more contagious to people around them, following a corticosteroid injection.
The British Orthopaedic Association (BOA) , The British Society for Surgery of the Hand (BSSH), British elbow and Shoulder Society (BESS) have recently published (23.10.2020) A patient information leaflet discussing the additional risks of having steroid injections during the COVID pandemic.
The information in this leaflet can be downloaded by clicking on the leaflet. The contents are also applicable to anyone considering steroid injections for the lower extremity (Hip, knee ankle and foot).
If you have any questions about any of our treatments or require advice on any pain you may be suffering during the Coronavirus outbreak please do not hesitate to give you a call or contact us through our booking form.
Our Other Post
Robert Mast BSc Physiotherapy HCPC, MCSP, PgCert Musculoskeletal Sonography, Non-Medical prescriber
Rob is an Advanced Practice Physiotherapist (APP) with extensive experience in managing complex musculoskeletal conditions. He is employed as an expert clinician in the NHS providing both clinical diagnosis as well a point of care diagnostic- and Interventional musculoskeletal ultrasound in a busy radiology department.
He has a passion for musculoskeletal Ultrasound and is an experienced educator in MSK ultrasound. To learn more about Rob please click: meet Rob
Privately he runs One-Stop clinics in Hertfordshire, providing assessment, ultrasound diagnosis and ultrasound guided injections all in one session. The clinics are located in Hertfordshire. For any information or to book an appointment please click here