Thalassemia Patients and Friends

Discussion Forums => Thalassemia Minor => Topic started by: Cmcr on March 19, 2020, 09:15:16 PM

Title: Thalassemia Minor and Coronavirus
Post by: Cmcr on March 19, 2020, 09:15:16 PM

Hi,

I have been wondering why the death toll for this virus in Italy is so high.  The thought occurred to me, is it because of the thalassemia minor presence there?  Then I read of an Italian Family in the US where 7 contracted the virus and so far 3 died.  No underlying conditions they say. Ages 50-75.  Could Thalassemia minor be a condition that is being ignored?  Just wondered what you thought.  I have Thalassemia minor as well as my daughter so it makes me nervous.

Thanks

Title: Re: Thalassemia Minor and Coronavirus
Post by: Andy Battaglia on March 22, 2020, 10:25:52 PM

My understanding is that one reason deaths in Northern Italy and China are so high is because air pollution is so high in both regions and tobacco smoking is also high in both nations, especially by men, which may account for some of the difference in death by gender. Respiratory ailments do complicate matters for infected people. The thalassemia patients that TIF is aware of, have not had any unusual problems when they ciontract the virus, but these reports are only anecdotal.