Anyone with spinal cord injury has at least some level of impairment in respiratory function. SCI weakens breathing muscles, and therefore, reduces the patient’s ability to both inspire air maximally and forcefully expel air in the form of coughing. The ability for the body to manage respiratory secretions is key to controlling the risk of Covid-19, which is a respiratory virus.

But there are other Covid-19 risks related to SCI as well.

Quite often, SCI survivors experience secondary health issues as a result of their spinal cord injury. Cardiovascular disease and the higher body mass index associated with SCI may also increase one’s risk of developing a more serious case of Covid-19. Plus, for those SCI patients who require assistance from caregivers (and, therefore, not able to socially distance themselves), the risk of exposure goes up.

Until a vaccine and effective treatments are widely available for Covid-19, the best method for SCI patients to avoid exposure lies in taking precautionary measures on a consistent basis. Many of these are the same precautions any person should take to avoid exposure, but considering the added risks for the SCI patient, they take on even greater importance:

-          Practice physical distancing; avoid large groups and stay home when possible

-          Clean all surfaces regularly with soap and warm water or antibacterial solution

-          Wash your face and hands after being in public or having in-person conversations

-          Wash clothes after each wear; separate indoor and outdoor clothes

-          Learn about home delivery options for groceries, pharmacy, or essential services

-          Keep 30 day’s medication and/or medical supplies on hand

-          Ensure the caregivers who assist you practice Covid-19 safety protocols

It’s important, too, to maintain a clear respiratory tract. Some ways to help you do this include, but are not limited to, staying hydrated to keep lung secretions thin; changing body positions frequently–use gravity to help clear your lungs; practicing deep breathing and coughing exercises to strengthen respiratory muscles; and eating heathy, well-balanced meals to boost your immune system.

Of course, Covid-19, like many viruses, can exist on surfaces as well. For the SCI patient, this means it’s important to try to always keep equipment, such as your wheelchair and its various parts, clean.

-          If possible, you should avoid contact between your hands and your tires when pushing–and if using gloves, remember to launder them frequently

-          Remove your pushing gloves and put disposable gloves on before touching or cleaning your chair

-          Use antibacterial solution to clean wheels, brakes, and push rims

-          When transferring, wash your hands before and avoid touching your tires, if possible

-          For power wheelchairs, use antibacterial solution on a cloth to clean the joystick and/or other controls, armrests, or headrests

For those who use ventilators or respirators, precautions similar to the above can help prevent exposure to Covid-19, but this equipment, by its nature, suggests additional actions one should take, whether you are a patient or caregiver:

-          Wash hands before and after working with the ventilator

-          Ensure caregivers wear a mask or eye shield when suctioning secretions

-          Clean and disinfect medical equipment according to manufacturing descriptions

-          Change filters according to manufacturing descriptions

While much is not yet known about Covid-19 and how it affects the SCI patient, the steps and precautions laid out here offer a great start in helping you avoid exposure to protect not only yourself, but those around you.