We are aware there is a lot of concern with the current situation around COVID-19 and how this affects people with coeliac disease (CD). Coeliac NZ's advice with the support of our Medical Advisory Panel is that being more cautious is not going to be damaging to you.

As coronavirus is a new illness, there is no specific research on the risk to people with CD. There is however an international registry being set up to understand the specifics of this disease in relation to COVID-19.

Because everyone will have their own different risk assessment based on their own tolerance, on who they live with and their health status, our advice is to limit your contact with others, practice social distancing and if necessary self-isolation. (A number of schools are set up of in-home learning and can support you if your child needs to not attend school).

Prior to COVID-19, the MOH recommendations for people to obtain the flu vaccine included people with autoimmune diseases including CD and others. So we encourage you to obtain your flu vaccine to reduce the risk of contracting the flu this winter. The flu vaccine will not provide any benefit from COVID-19, but it is important to reduce the flu being another infection

New Zealand is currently at Alert Level 2 – Reduce. This means disease is contained but the risk of community transmission is growing.

For COVID-19 health advice and information, visit the official website: https://covid19.govt.nz
If specific questions about your symptoms, contact the Healthline team (for free) on 0800 358 5453 or +64 9 358 5453

Talk to your GP or contact the COVID healthline team for any additional advice. If you are feeling anxious or just need someone to talk to you can call a counsellor 24/7 call or text 1737