The APS Type 1 Foundation continues to work closely with Dr. Lionakis and his team at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to bring forward important information in support of the health and well-being of our community. In collaboration with researchers around the globe, the NIH continues to evaluate of the impact of Covid-19 with our community.
Click here to read a recent article in The Journal of Experimental Medicine with the latest update about how APS Type 1 patients fared after contracting Covid-19. Unfortunately, the conclusion is that APS Type 1 patients have a very high risk of life-threatening Covid-19 pneumonia at any age. The NIH encourages APS Type 1 patients to get vaccinated as soon as a vaccine is available and to adhere to all public health guidance.
You may wonder how you can help. Great question!
We can help support the NIH’s work in the following ways:
- Have You Been Vaccinated? Once you’ve been vaccinated, share your experience with the NIH. One month after receiving your second shot, send a blood sample to NIH. This will help them evaluate how the vaccine is working for our community. Email Thomas DiMaggio at the NIH for details and logistics.
- Did You Contract Covid-19? If you contracted Covid-19, let the NIH know as soon as possible. Not only can they help local care providers develop a care plan unique to you and your APS Type 1 diagnosis, the NIH team wants to understand how you responded to the virus, what treatments were provided, and again receive blood samples, if possible. Email Thomas DiMaggio.
Your participation will support research and knowledge around this challenging virus and better prepare the NIH and our community to manage it in the future. If you have any feedback or questions, please email Thomas DiMaggio at the NIH.
Thank you for your continued support of our community. Acting as ONE COMMUNITY, we can all benefit from the critical research the NIH and others around the globe are doing to support us all.