Hi there I just wondered if anyone has clarity re if Hodgkins survivors (I was treated 5 years ago) are at increased risk of complications from Covid-19. I realise this isn’t well understood. I am currently abroad for work (humanitarian) and I just can’t get clarity.
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Hi @Lau15 thanks for your message. Welcome to the Blood Cancer UK community!
Depending on the type of cancer and treatment, it can take from a few months up to a year for the immune system to recover. However, we have also spoken to people who say they pick up infections more easily more than a year after treatment. If you find you generally pick up colds and infections easily, then you may want to be more cautious and follow the advice for people within the high risk group to shield yourself for 12 weeks (more info here - https://bloodcancer.org.uk/support-for-you/coronavirus-covid-19/looking-after-yourself--staying-home-shielding/)
If you have been in remission for over a year and are generally fit and well, you may choose to just follow the advice for the general public, but please do contact your a member of your healthcare team such as your clinical nurse specialist or consultant, if you are unsure, as they will have the best advice for your individual circumstances and will be best placed to talk to you about how to best look after yourself at this time.
I hope this has been helpful to you? It’s so understandable to be feeling concerned about the coronavirus. If you need further clarity on any of the information, we are only ever a phone call or email away if you would like to talk anything through. Just as a reminder, our support line can be reached on 0808 2080 888 Monday-Friday 10am-7pm and on weekends between 10am-1pm or you can also reach us via support@bloodcancer.org.uk.
Take care of yourself and very best wishes, Alice
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Hi @Lau15, @Alice_BloodCancerUK has answered your question, but I just wanted to welcome you to our community forum. The advantage is that you can join us from abroad. How is it for you being abroad during these worrying times. take care of yourself.
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Are you able to contact your GP?
hi @Lau15 welcome to the forum! 
I’m Su, one of the Support Services Officers here at Blood cancer uk. Just checking in to see how you are? I hope the information from my colleague, Alice, was helpful to you?
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