Updated: March 26, 2020
We know you’re concerned about the coronavirus. We are, too. That’s why we’re staying as informed as possible. We’ll update this page as we learn more about how this situation impacts those with IBD.
There’s a lot we don’t know about COVID19, but here’s a list of reliable resources of information:
Resources You Can Trust
The International Organization for the Study of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IOIBD)
Specifically, check out this IOIBD Update on COVID19 for Patients with Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (@CDCgov)
Get Your Household Ready for Coronavirus Disease
The World Health Organization(@WHO)
The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation (@CrohnsColitisFn)
General Tips for Staying Healthy
These recommendations are per the above resources plus expert advice from Dr. Ellen Scherl and Dr. Robbyn Sockolow, experts in Inflammatory Bowel Disease at Weill Cornell Medicine:
- Avoid being in close contact with sick people.
- Stay away from crowded areas, like malls, sporting events and large family celebrations.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water is not available then use a hand sanitizer with >60% alcohol.
- Stay home when you’re sick.
- Avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth.
- Avoid unnecessary travel.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue.
- If you’re sick, call your medical provider before seeking medical care.
- Do not stop your IBD medication without consulting with your doctor. While your medication may slightly decrease your immunity, not taking your medication puts you at much higher risk for flaring.
Foods to Buy Now for Later
Finally, here are some IBD-friendly food products you might want to stash away, just in case…
- All-natural peanut and/or nut butters
- Organic old-fashioned or rolled oats
- White rice
- Gluten-free pasta
- Almond flour (for baking, pancakes)
- Potatoes
- Sweet potatoes / yams (stored in ideal conditions)
- Ginger root (homemade ginger tea, excellent in soups)
- Frozen fruit (great for smoothies)
- Frozen vegetables (great for soups)
- Frozen raw or cooked chicken
- Frozen fish
- Cans of wild salmon and/or tuna
- Eggs
- Olive oil
- Larabars
- RxKids’ Bars
- Dairy-free milk alternatives, such as almond milk or oat milk
- Baby food pouches
- Coconut water (in case you need to make an oral rehydration solution)
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Frozen homemade meals (TIP: meals with sauces freeze very well)
What foods will you stock-pile just in case? We’d love to share them with the WBF community!
