Coronavirus Support & Information
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been affecting people across the world, you might be worried about what this means for you and how it might affect your life.
We’ve put together some basic information as well as an update on how the outbreak is going to affect our work at Tiny Tickers.
Latest Information
Please follow NHS advice and Government guidance for up-to-date information as the situation continues to develop.
JANUARY 2021 UPDATE: BCCA immunisation guidance.
Covid-19 vaccinations are currently being carried out in the UK. Prioritisation for the vaccine has been outlined by the UK Government.
Read the BCCA guidance for immunisation here.
DECEMBER 2020 UPDATE: BCCA publishes data on COVID-19 and CHD
The British Congenital Cardiac Association (BCCA) is conducting a national study on the impact of COVID-19 in patients with congenital heart disease. In advance of this, they have submitted a short review of the available literature, which has been published in Cardiology in the Young.
Despite the small amount of data available at this stage, the paper concludes that some “tentative conclusions” can be drawn, including that “the mortality of patients with CHD affected by COVID-19 appears low, and the disease does not appear to impact a specific form of CHD.”
You can read the full paper here.
Please note we are not medical professionals therefore if you require specific advice please call NHS 111.
Latest British Congenital Cardiac Association Advice
Latest Government Advice
What is Coronavirus
How is coronavirus spread?
My child has a heart condition – what should I do about Coronavirus?
How to talk to your child about coronavirus
Looking after yourself
Other sources of information
How is Coronavirus affecting Tiny Tickers
Antenatal Support
Finding out your baby has a congenital heart defect is always difficult and with the uncertainties and restrictions around covid-19, we understand that you may have even more questions. The following advice and information has been collated to answer some of the most common concerns and we are here to support you during this difficult time.
This advice will be updated as new guidelines and information is available.
If you are pregnant and have been told your baby has congenital heart disease:
- Currently, there is no evidence that COVID-19 causes CHD and there is no evidence that it will make the heart defect worse.
- There is no specific guidance for pregnant women who have received an antenatal diagnosis of CHD for their baby
- In general, pregnant women are currently being advised by the NHS that they are in the ‘moderate risk’ (clinically vulnerable) group and pregnant women who have CHD themselves are considered high risk. As long as mum is well and is following all the advice, there is no further risk to the baby
- Pregnant women from black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds are more likely than other women to be admitted to hospital for coronavirus. Pregnant women over the age of 35, those who are overweight or obese, and those women who have pre-existing medical problems, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, also appear to be at higher risk of developing severe illness.
- It is really important to still attend any antenatal appointments you are offered during your pregnancy as long as you are well and not suffering any symptoms of coronavirus. If you have any concerns about attending any appointments, please discuss these with your midwife or maternity unit.
- If you have symptoms of coronavirus and/or are self isolating, let your midwife know and they will advise and reschedule your appointment
- Your hospital appointments may be different to how you imagined. Most hospitals have restrictions in place regarding scans and you may have to attend alone. Hospital staff may be wearing protective clothing such as masks, aprons and gloves
- Please do remember to have your flu vaccine because getting flu when you’re pregnant can put your baby at risk.
- Some useful links to further information:
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/people-at-higher-risk-from-coronavirus/pregnancy-and-coronavirus/
- https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/guidelines/coronavirus-pregnancy/covid-19-virus-infection-and-pregnancy/
Preparing to give birth for women having received an antenatal diagnosis of CHD for their baby
- Planning your birth may be different to how you imagined, you will be able to speak to your midwife or cardiac liaison nurse about your options and who can attend. Some general advice can be found here.
- There is no evidence that women who are well are more at risk from coronavirus after having a baby.
- As always, if you have any questions about yours or your baby’s health, please contact your midwife, doctor or cardiac liaison team. It’s really important that you do not avoid seeking medical advice if you have any concerns.