Heart disease and COVID-19: What are the risks?

@volvo07 Hello volvo07, thank you for creating this discussion. I think many other members may be feeling the same way, this is a frustrating time as there is simultaneously too much information circulating, but also not enough. I think many people feel "in the dark" about where they stand in terms of risk. Let me tag some members here who may be able to weigh in!

Hello members, I hope you don't mind me tagging you here. How are you doing during this stressful time? Did you receive a letter or message indicating you are at risk? Have you been in contact with your cardiologist or GP? 

@Dalrossi‍ @Carol117‍ @iandeare‍ @john.n‍ @Adrien15‍ @Bensmum‍ @Tazz71‍ @bob2758‍ @croslanes‍ @BobDowning‍ @Suzzannaxx‍ @Bristolbob‍ @Kevsed‍ @ukdenny‍ @Beamer‍ @geckoflying‍ @Mcburnes‍ @Barney1007‍ @amymtoblin5‍ 

Take care,

Courtney

Take care,

Courtney

Hi Courtney. Yes I received my letter about 3 weeks ago. I actually phoned my group surgery to enquire if I would be getting one   as at that time I was aware of others receiving them ( I needed clarity for my work situation in prisons). The receptionist informed me that I wasn't on the list but after conferring with my GP I was given one there and then by email and instructed to leave work immediately. Apparently the automated system used to identify 'at risk' people has missed quite a few! I should also say that I have been treated with chemo for cancer within the last 4 months so I actually ended up with 2 letters (the 2nd was from the cancer hospital). My advice would be to contact your GP practice and enquire about the letter to shield/isolate for at least 12 weeks. Hope this helps. Stay safe and stay in! 

@Mcburnes

Hi Mcburnes

yes, from the cancer point of view you should definitely be shielded. People who have under lining Respiratory conditions such as Asthma and COPD are at risk and are shielded. So are people on high doses of steroids, as it weakens your immune system. People on certain medications for cancer are also shielded. After you got your letter, did you register yourself using the link provided on the letter? If not, you would be advised to do so asap. Once you are registered,, there is help available from the Government.  eg, some one can do your shopping for you, deliver your prescriptions etc. If you are living on your own, you also get food parcels as a survival kit. If you have a partner living with you, he should also isolate himself, as he can not afford to increase your risk of getting infection by him catching something and bringing it in the house. So make sure you register, and if you need food parcel survival kit delivered to you, there is an 0800 number on your letter. You can ring them and explain your situation, and you will get some help.

Hope it helps

No letter, my health provider, NHS Tayside, has not declared me 'vulnerable'

However, my employer (a different Health Authority: NHS Grampian) did, and I was sent home. Due to start back this week under impossible restrictions to undertake my duties: 1 metre self distance, I have a daily six hour commute, by public bus, part of my duties require me to access main arterial corridors in the hospital. Situations impossible to comply with instructions for restricted duties issued by Occupational Health Service

Circumstances have now changed, due to symptoms starting on Tuesday, now on seven day lockdown; authorised by NHS 111 web site.

I also got a letter advising me I was at risk and to shield myself for 12 weeks. I was already self-isolating 2 weeks prior to the lockdown date as my GP advised me to during my last appointment at the surgery, since then I’ve had various phone consults. 

I was fortunate enough to get a food parcel in the 2nd week of lockdown, which was delivered by a local Canterbury charity organised through the council. I actually split my parcel with an elderly neighbour in her 80’s who hadn’t got anything in and couldn’t get out. 

I believe I received a letter mostly due to my Mgus IgG status which affects my immunity. Other reasons could be my high blood pressure and weight. 

Back at work since reclassification. Ridiculous six hour daily commute out of the window due to restricted bus services. It took me five hours to get to work Tuesday, one way! As a "key worker"  no PPE for my journey, (no adequate PPE for my job as a specialist NHS Engineer) but under restricted duties that make it almost impossible to do my job.

Pressured into returning to work, it's the bus journey concerns me, I've bought expensive masks, on my third lot now, trying to find what works for the extended periods I require on my commute...  "Out with of the workplace," so my employer has no responsibility. Insanity, and the semantics of redesignating my heart condition as "High Risk" doesn't change anything other than a legal catagory

@iandeare Oh no, I'm so sorry they're putting you through that. Is there any way to talk to your GP to get a letter so you can shield? I would be so frightened coming into contact with so many people on public transport. I'm on leave as I had a heart attack recently but I'm afraid to go back. Is everyone else back at it or are you all shielding?

Apparrantly other staff were given 12 weeks leave, I wasn't, let's just say my Supervisor often doesn't follow the rules. He's caused me difficulties before, with his bull in a China shop attitude. He thinks charging head down is an effective management tool. I don't, I like to prepare, and plan. Unfortunately the stress is effecting me so badly I might be forced to resign. I'm not even front line, I'm servicing portering chairs. I don't see why I should risk my life for that job. I don't even have the parts I require. Unison know but the Branch Secretary is pretty ineffective, I know, as I used to be a Chief Shop Steward