In view of the concern with the announcement of the new coronavirus infection pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) and in view of the recognition of the beginning of community transmission (when it is no longer possible to identify the focus) in the country, the best rheumatologist in Delhi ratifies the positions of several serious medical entities, especially with regard to patients with rheumatic diseases.

1- It is important to note that most infected people have mild symptoms and recover completely without any specific treatment. The risk of progressing to a more serious illness increases with age and when there are associated diseases such as diabetes, chronic heart and lung disease. There is NOT enough information about the effect of immunosuppressive or immunobiological medications on a possible COVID-19 infection. It is recommended that measures of suspension of treatments in the presence of suggestive symptoms be discussed individually, considering the risk of disease activity and the infectious condition by the specialist physician who performs the monitoring. Preventive interruption can also be assessed, but there is no evidence that this will have any protective effect against infection.

2- Preliminary studies indicate that the medication ibuprofen may be related to a worse evolution of the pulmonary condition. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid the use of this drug, giving preference to the use of paracetamol or dipyrone in case of pain or fever.

3- Rheumatic patients should schedule an appointment with the attending arthritis specialist in Delhi only in cases of need for reassessment for disease activity and medication in use, otherwise, it is recommended to postpone or use communication resources to clarify doubts.

4- We reiterate that the MOST IMPORTANT and EFFICIENT measure at this moment is SOCIAL ISOLATION. We recommend that patients with rheumatic diseases and their contact family remain at home, leaving only in situations where this is absolutely necessary. This is the action that will bring the most PROTECTION.

5- Finally, we warn you to always seek institutional information so that the frequent “fake news” circulating on social networks does not generate unnecessary panic. We need to act with serenity, seriousness and firmness in order to minimize the serious damage that this crisis could cause us.