1. Heat risk exacerbation potential for neurology patients during the COVID-19 pandemic and related isolation
- Author
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Shawnda A. Morrison, Miloš Ajčević, Davide Filingeri, Alex Buoite Stella, Giovanni Furlanis, Nicholas Ravanelli, Paolo Manganotti, Buoite Stella, A., Filingeri, D., Ravanelli, N., Morrison, S. A., Ajcevic, M., Furlanis, G., and Manganotti, P.
- Subjects
medicine.medical_specialty ,Telemedicine ,Atmospheric Science ,Neurology ,Hot Temperature ,010504 meteorology & atmospheric sciences ,Isolation (health care) ,Exacerbation ,Heat illne ,Climate change ,COVID-19 ,e-Health ,Heat illness ,Neurological diseases ,Physical distancing ,Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis ,Short Communication ,Vulnerability ,01 natural sciences ,03 medical and health sciences ,Extreme weather ,0302 clinical medicine ,medicine ,Humans ,Intensive care medicine ,Pandemics ,0105 earth and related environmental sciences ,Aged ,030203 arthritis & rheumatology ,Ecology ,business.industry ,SARS-CoV-2 ,medicine.disease ,Hazard ,business ,Neurological disease - Abstract
COVID-19 may increase the risk of heat-related symptoms during hot weather since vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with neurological disabilities, must continue to self-isolate, often indoors. Within the chronic neurological patient population, indoor conditions in summer months present a hazard because of impaired and/or altered thermoregulation, including poor hydration status due to both autonomic and behavioral dysfunction(s). To address this increased risk, telemedicine protocols should include an assessment of the patient's environmental parameters, and when combined with physiological data from wearable devices, identify those with neurological diseases who are at higher risk of heat illness. Personalized medicine during times of self-isolation must be encouraged, and using smart technology in ambient assisted living solutions, including e-health to monitor physiological parameters are highly recommended, not only during extreme weather conditions but also during times of increased isolation and vulnerability.
- Published
- 2020