Coronavirus (COVID-19) - information and precautions

To my knowledge Gezzac, UK government guidelines include anyone who has been offered/receives annual flu jabs (because of any pre-existing/recorded health risks/factors e.g. asthma) are in the "at risk group".  I am 69 yrs old, a retired Qualified Nurse and have asthma (controlled by 1 preventer & Ventolin), MS (probably Secondary Progressive since 2013 - it first manifested in 1976), osteoarthritis, hypertension and last year was diagnosed with partial left bundle branch block (a cardiac arrythmia and slightly "leaking"  bicuspid, tricuspid & aortic valves although mainly asymptomatic).  Having stated the above, consider myself extremely fortunate because personally remain mobile/independent and self-managing (especially becoming a widow just over a year ago).  I am largely "self-isolating" - only leaving home when absolutely necessary, keeping at least 1 metre distance from others, when out , not touching my face after touching anything and washing my hands for a minimum of 20 seconds with soap and hot water, immediately on returning home; also not visiting anyone or having visitors.  The coronavirus (COVID-19) is so new, consequently not yet comprehensively understood but strongly believe every country's government are doing their utmost to "contain" it.  I also believe, at the moment, that all individuals should implement the government guidelines and be as responsible as possible to safeguard themselves and everyone else but not yet mandatory (but could potentially be escalated/changed)?  Hoping this "post" helps and also trying to keep abreast of what's being discussed here, on Carenity x

Hello @robjmckinney‍ it's a shame that there seems to be some mixed messaging, but I'm glad that you've been in contact with your specialist and are prepared. That seems to be the best course of action. Please keep us updated on how you're doing as this all progresses!

@Yank34‍ Thank you for your "inside" perspective as a former qualified nurse and for your expert advice! Wishing you well in this difficult time!

I’m 68 I have osteoarthritis and  ulcerative colitis and unsure if I’m in the vulnerable group. does anyone know if I am?  Currently I have cold like symptoms; stuffy nose, a dry cough, slight headache, sore joints in shoulders and a slight upper respiratory tight chest and feel very tired.  As a precaution I have decided to self isolate Just in case. 

I went to stay in Spain with my partner, from 18th to 26th December 2019, to visit my son who works at an international school. he is a music teacher and organised the whole school to perform an Xmas show. Hundreds of parents, from all over the world, attended. Within a few days we caught a virus, including my son. The symptoms were exactly the same as those described by the corona virus (no one was even aware of Covid 19 at that time). the worst was the dry cough and temperature we both had that would last for hours and we couldn’t sleep. We came home and saw the doctor who said it was just a virus and to take paracetamol. It actually lasted about 35 days before we started to recover. we now know we could have had SARS or even corona virus without knowing. We are so confused and unable to see doctor anymore and do not know who to talk to or what to do. Can anyone help please?

Hello everyone, yesterday the Prime Minister outlined some strict new measures meant to slow the spread of the coronavirus:

You must stay at home, only leaving for the following limited purposes:

• Shopping for basic necessities (such as food and medicine), as infrequently as possible
• One form of exercise per day, alone or with members of your household
• Any medical need, to provide care or to help a vulnerable person
• Travelling to and from work, but only where absolutely necessary and cannot be done from home.

Starting immediately:

• All shops selling non-essential goods, including clothing and electronic stores and other premises including libraries, playgrounds and outdoor gyms, and places of worship will be closed
• All gatherings of more than two people in public - excluding people you live with shall be stopped
• All social events, including weddings, baptisms and other ceremonies, but excluding funerals shall be stopped
• Parks will remain open for exercise, but gatherings should be dispersed.

What do you think of these new restrictions? Are you prepared to take them on?

Take care,

Courtney

@Peradventure 
don’t chance it !!

I have been part of this group for a while. I've only really started using it as this coronavirus has started. I'm unsure what this group actually achieves besides sharing info about our conditions and for publishing NHS advice. Regards Phil 

@Phil55 That's a bit rude. The discussion is called "information and precautions" so I believe people are sharing information and looking for advice. At least here people are getting official advice from proper channels and not some of the fear mongering and panic inducing nonsense you see other places. We're all doing our best to get through this situation.

Good morning everyone,

I hope you're doing well despite these difficult circumstances. If you haven't seen it already, here is an article that we've recently published in our health magazine on the coronavirus and chronic illness:

Carenity Health Magazine: Coronavirus and Chronic Illness

In it we try to answer some key questions patients with chronic illness may have regarding the coronavirus such as: 

• Which chronic diseases are most at risk? 
• Who else is vulnerable?
• What should I do if I'm taking immunosuppressant drugs, immunotherapy or corticosteroids and I present symptoms?

I hope it will be of some help to you all. Don't hesitate to leave any thoughts or comments below the article!

Take care,

Courtney

Hi there 

When thr government released its high risk groups i contacted HR at the hospital I work. They stated i should isolate for 12 weeks. I emailed my mstron who then i presume advised my direct manager to take me iff shifts. This has been done for a 4 wk period.

I work on an acute ward & am just putying my feelers out as see im down to return to work 24th aptil

Many thanks for any advice 

Hi there 

When the government released its high risk groups (m. S) i contacted HR at the hospital I work. They stated i should isolate for 12 weeks. I emailed my matron who then i presume advised my direct manager to take me off shifts. This has been done for a 4 wk period.

I work on an acute ward & am just putting my feelers out as see im down to return to work 24th april

Many thanks for any advice