COVID-19 is a highly contagious virus. People with (COVID-19) who are completely asymptomatic can still spread the virus to others and contribute to its wide dissemination. The major route of COVID-19 transmission is through droplets. But the virus can fall on surfaces, stay there for hours to days and infect those who touch these surfaces. Being in a crowded environment also makes you more susceptible to catching and transmitting this virus. COVID-19 virus is not transmitted through blood transfusion or donation.

Transmission in special situations

Pregnant women

In general, pregnant women are at increased risk for infection and serious illnesses due to physiological and immunologic changes in their bodies. Those with SCD are at higher risk of getting a wide variety of other complications as well. When infected with coronavirus, pregnancy losses can occur. But it is not certain if the same is seen with Corona COVID-19. It is also not known which complications are expected to be seen in pregnant women with SCD and Corona COVID-19 disease. Regardless, separating the mother and infant at birth to avoid transmission is recommended.

Breastfeeding

Corona COVID-19 has not been detected in breastmilk. However, mothers with COVID-19 infection are advised to express breastmilk after washing their hands thoroughly and disinfecting the pump and bottles. Healthy relatives and or assistants should feed their baby. If an infected mother decides to breastfeed, she should wear a face mask and wash her hands thoroughly and frequently with soap and water. These same precautions apply to mothers with SCD and COVID-19 infection.