Information for Patients and Families

Thrombosis Canada resources for patients and families includes our series of Q&A Videos and FAQ document that can be accessed below

NEW! Thrombosis and COVID-19 Vaccines FAQs (updated April 2, 2021): Here

Les thromboses (caillots sanguins) et les vaccins contre la COVID-19 Foire aux questions: ici

Scroll down the page for more videos and our COVID-19 & Thrombosis Q&A PDF.

View the video presentation from our June 23, 2020 program here:

June 23 Program Evaluation

For answers to individual questions, click on the question below to access an answer from one of our experts:

Should I be concerned about the recent reports on the AstraZeneca Vaccine and Blood Clots?
The rate of blood clot formation after the AstraZeneca vaccine seems no higher than expected in the general population. As we vaccinate billions, we’ll see events happen that are unrelated to the vaccine. Thrombosis Canada guidance can be found here (update April 2, 2021): Download

If I have COVID-19 and have mild or moderate symptoms (I am at home), should I be receiving a blood thinner such as heparin injections or aspirin?

I have had a prior occurrence of thrombosis (DVT or PE) but am no longer receiving blood thinning therapy. If I become infected with COVID-19, should I restart the blood thinner?

I have an abnormal mutation (factor V Leiden or prothrombin gene) that predisposes to developing thrombosis but have never had an occurrence of thrombosis. If I become infected with COVID-19, should I start the blood thinner or aspirin?

I have a family member who is living in a retirement home where a resident is affected with COVID-19. Should my family member, who is otherwise well, receive a blood thinner or aspirin as protection against thrombosis?

I have a family member who is living in a nursing home where a resident is affected with COVID-19. Should my family member, who is unwell, receive a blood thinner or aspirin as protection against thrombosis?

I have a family member who is in hospital with COVID-19 infection and is unwell. Is he/she at increased risk for developing blood clots? Should he/she be receiving blood thinners to prevent blood clots?

I was hospitalized for COVID-19 but did not require care in the ICU. I have recovered and am now at home. I was given blood thinning injections while I was in the hospital. Should I be receiving blood thinners now, while I am at home?

I was hospitalized for COVID-19 and did require care in the ICU. I have recovered and am now at home. I was given blood thinning injections while I was in the hospital. Should I be receiving blood thinners now, while I am at home?

I have young children and have heard that I should watch out for ‘dusky-coloured toes’ as an indicator of COVID-19. What does this mean? Are dusky-coloured toes in children a sign that a blood clot is present?

I am pregnant and have COVID-19 but am well, with very mild symptoms. Should I be receiving blood thinners during pregnancy? What about after delivery?

If I had a prior blood clot, am I at higher risk of developing COVID-19 infection?

If I have COVID-19 infection, am I at increased risk of developing a heart attack or stroke?