How might COVID-19 affect me if I have epilepsy?

Protect yourself and others around you: Whether or not there’s been an outbreak in your community, it is important to practice recommended safety measures. The WHO gives general tips on how to prevent the spread of the virus, such as coughing/sneezing into your elbow or disposable tissue, washing your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, using alcohol-based hand sanitizers often, and maintaining a social distance of at least 1m (3ft) in public spaces. If you have pre-existing medical conditions like diabetes, then you should try to limit travel to only when it is necessary and avoid areas that have had a high number of outbreaks.
If your caregiver gets sick: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised that anyone who gets a fever or any symptoms of the coronavirus should generally stay home and away from contact with other people for about 14 days, which is the incubation period for the virus in a person. They should also immediately call the hotlines available for their community and get tested, just in case they have come down with it. If they do not have the disease, they can continue their roles when they recover. You might also need to make alternative arrangements for other people that can act as your caregivers instead until your regular ones get better.
Caregivers that come down with COVID-19: For caregivers that become infected with the disease, it is normal to worry about who will take care of your child or patient while you recover. It is important to remember that you should take care of yourself first: call your healthcare practitioner and follow the instructions given to you. You can ask for someone’s help in taking care of your child or patient, or you can send them to homes of relatives or friends in order not to put them at risk.
Don’t worry about medications: It is normal to be worried about drugs running out of stock in pharmacies due to the current situation. Such worries are not far fetched as the majority of the medicines in the US are imported from India and China. The Council of Foreign Relations has, however, advised US consumers not to worry because the FDA has only warned of one drug in short supply. Also, since the number of cases in China is reducing by the day, factories are beginning to reopen. The government and the FDA are also taking precautions to put things under control.
Follow the preventive measures specific to your community: As the outbreak spreads more within communities and to others, there may be specific restrictions or guidelines released by the government or national authorities. Some communities have restricted travel, while others have advised community members to stay at home, except for urgent situations. Stay on top of the information in your locality and try to obey them to prevent yourself and others from being infected.

How might COVID-19 affect me if I have epilepsy?

COVID-19 and epilepsy

General tips to follow

Self-Isolation