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Coronavirus 

Wear a mask is good advice for people with a Fontan

Protect your heart and mental health

With a Fontan, the coronavirus pandemic puts you, and really everyone, at greater risk. As you know too well, you don't need any extra infections entering your body, especially one like Covid19. 

Every country is handling the coronavirus pandemic in its own way, according to circumstances. Many countries have returned to a fairly normal way of living, but it is still worth keeping this information on this page, in case it's useful.

Practicing social distancing, wearing a mask, hand washing and sanitising may be things you still want to do in certain situations. If you find it hard to breathe through a mask, then talk to your doctor about the best way to manage this.

It's important that you keep attending your regular check-ups and tests, and keep collecting your regular medications. It might still feel worrying to go near doctors' surgeries and hospitals. If that's you, then talk to your doctor about other ways to attend appointments. You might find they are consulting over the phone or via Zoom.  Above all, don't stop your regular checks!

Equally important is your mental health. Staying in touch with friends, using Zoom, going outside for exercise, telling someone that you feel lonely because of concerns about the pandemic is very important. Whatever you do, don't fail to connect with someone if information about pandemics still makes you feel anxious.

This site from the Adult Congenital Heart Association, geared to American students, provides some tips for everyday study life during coronavirus outbreaks.

Also, The Australian and New Zealand Fontan Advocacy Committee has put together some videos to help you through the pandemic. A couple of them are below and you can access more here.

Rachel Cordina, an Australian cardiologist who looks after Fontan patients, provides clear and optimistic advice about how you can manage through the coronavirus pandemic.

Gemma, a young Australian adult with a Fontan, talks about how she has managed through the coronavirus pandemic. Gemma is a nurse so the coronavirus has presented her with some challenges.

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