How Does COVID-19 Affect Mesothelioma Patients?
COVID-19 still poses a significant risk to patients with mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer that forms 10-50 years after asbestos exposure.
“If you have cancer, COVID-19 can make you very sick. Treatments for many types of cancer can weaken your body’s ability to fight off infections. Studies show that having a history of cancer may also increase your risk of serious illness and death from COVID-19.”
– U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
As a result, mesothelioma patients need to take extra precautions to avoid the virus.
Mesothelioma and COVID-19 Quick Facts
- Almost 1 in 5 patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma got COVID-19 by 2021.
- A new coronavirus variant, XEC, started spreading in Europe in June 2024 but has since made its way to the U.S.
- As of December 2024, updated COVID-19 vaccines are available to help keep mesothelioma patients safe.
Our team is here ready to help patients fighting this cancer as well as COVID-19. Get a Free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma and COVID-19
Common mesothelioma symptoms are similar to those of COVID-19. For those already diagnosed with mesothelioma, COVID-19 could cause worsening symptoms and dangerous complications.
Symptoms of mesothelioma and COVID include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Dry, persistent cough
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath
Pleural effusion (fluid buildup in chest cavity) is the most common pleural mesothelioma symptom, but it’s much rarer in COVID-19 cases.
Another key difference is how the symptoms develop. Symptoms of COVID-19 develop rapidly and become severe, but will go away in most cases. Mesothelioma symptoms are typically mild at first but last many weeks or even months.
Call (866) 608-8933 now to speak with a registered nurse who can help.
4 COVID Safety Tips for Mesothelioma Patients
Although COVID-19 cases are declining, it’s still crucial for people with mesothelioma to keep themselves safe from the virus. Learn our top 4 COVID-19 safety tips for mesothelioma patients below.
1. Get the Most Recent COVID-19 Vaccine
The best way to protect yourself from COVID-19 is to get vaccinated. The CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO) have stated that vaccines can greatly help prevent infections, and also reduce the risk of severe illness in infected people.
COVID vaccines for 2024-2025 include:
- Moderna
- Novavax
- Pfizer-BioNTech
“Vaccination remains the best protection against COVID-19-related hospitalization and death.”
– National Cancer Institute
However, cancer and its treatments can weaken your immune system and make some vaccines less effective. You might need to get revaccinated after mesothelioma treatment once your immune system has recovered.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends speaking with your oncologist (cancer doctor) to learn about the best vaccine for your case.
2. Work on Boosting Your Immune System
Following a recommended mesothelioma nutrition plan, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep can help your immune system better fight both COVID-19 and cancer.
You can also ask your doctor about immunotherapy, a type of mesothelioma treatment that helps the immune response identify and destroy cancer cells.
3. Practice Proper Hygiene & Safety
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center recommends specific safety tips to reduce the risk of COVID-19.
These COVID safety steps include:
- Avoiding large crowds and buildings with poor ventilation
- Maintaining social distancing (staying 6 feet apart from others)
- Encouraging family members and friends to get vaccinated
- Washing your hands often for at least 20 seconds
- Wearing a mask in public
Taking these precautions can greatly help lower your risk of getting COVID-19.
4. Get Medical Care Promptly if Needed
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or mesothelioma, make sure to speak to a medical professional to get a prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Be sure to tell your health care team if you’re concerned about a possible risk of mesothelioma. Since this cancer is so rare, primary care physicians may not suspect it at first.
Use our Free Mesothelioma Doctor Match to connect with the best specialists near you.
How COVID-19 Impacts Mesothelioma Treatment
Mesothelioma patients often need aggressive oncology treatments to have the best chances of living longer. However, a COVID-19 diagnosis can impact which mesothelioma treatments a patient receives and when they are administered.
Certain treatments may need to be paused after a COVID-19 diagnosis, including:
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Surgery
- Therapies offered in clinical trials
Mesothelioma treatments may also make you more susceptible to a severe case of COVID-19. Make sure to follow your doctor’s advice — such as getting a COVID-19 vaccination and avoiding crowds — if you’re immunocompromised following cancer treatment.
Resources for Mesothelioma and COVID-19
If you have mesothelioma or you’re caring for someone who does, there are several resources available to help you stay safe and healthy.
Here are some top mesothelioma and COVID-19 resources:
- CDC COVID tracker: If you have mesothelioma and are worried about your COVID risk, use this tool to see the number of COVID-19 cases, deaths, and hospitalizations in your area.
- CDC COVID testing search tool: This allows you to find free COVID tests near you.
- Free Doctor Match: Because mesothelioma is so rare, you need to work with doctors who specialize in it. We can get you connected with top mesothelioma doctors for free.
These resources can help you feel more confident in protecting yourself and your family from COVID-19 after a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Not sure where to start? Our Free Mesothelioma Guide provides comprehensive information for patients and their families.
How We Can Help Mesothelioma Patients With COVID-19
While the COVID-19 pandemic still poses health risks to mesothelioma patients, our team can help you get the care and resources needed to stay safe.
Mesothelioma Hope can connect you with:
- Registered nurses who can help you understand your diagnosis
- Top specialists and treatment centers in your area
- Asbestos lawyers who can see if you’re eligible for compensation
- Resources to manage your mental and emotional well-being
Call (866) 608-8933 or request our Free Mesothelioma Guide to get started.
Mesothelioma and COVID FAQs
Are mesothelioma patients at higher risk of COVID-19?
Yes, mesothelioma cancer patients are at a high risk of COVID-19 and severe complications. Mesothelioma patients may not be able to fight the disease as well as healthy people.
Those with COVID-19 and pleural mesothelioma (which develops in the lung lining) must fight two respiratory diseases at once, which can lead to severe symptoms and poor health outcomes.
What is the most common presenting symptom of malignant mesothelioma?
The most common symptom of mesothelioma is pleural effusion, fluid buildup on the lungs that causes shortness of breath (dyspnea) and chest pain.
Roughly 90% of pleural mesothelioma patients develop pleural effusion. COVID-19 infections can also cause pleural effusion in rare cases.
Contact us now if you have worrisome symptoms that could be related to mesothelioma. We can help you find top mesothelioma doctors and treatments.
What medical conditions increase the risk for severe COVID-19?
Cancers like mesothelioma put you at a higher risk for severe cases of COVID-19.
Cancer and treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can compromise your immune system. This makes it harder for your body to fight infections like COVID, leading to worse health outcomes.
How can caregivers keep mesothelioma patients safe from COVID?
If you’re caring for someone with an aggressive cancer like mesothelioma, a COVID-19 diagnosis can bring additional stress.
Here are tips to keep you and your loved ones safe from COVID:
- Take extra protections to keep yourself and your loved one free of infection, such as handwashing, masking, and avoiding public gatherings.
- If you contract COVID-19, self-isolate and have another person care for the patient while you recover.
- If your loved one develops COVID-19, consult a doctor immediately.
- Join support groups and explore other resources for caregivers to get tips from other families on keeping your loved one safe and managing your stress.
Taking these precautions can help you stay proactive and make sure you’re providing the best care possible.
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