COVID-19, Asthma and Returning to Work

@mandy_dungar Hello Mandy, thank you for starting this discussion. As we approach the next phase in the end of the lockdown I think many people with asthma are worried about this. Let me tag some members who may be able to share their advice with you.

Hello all, I hope you're doing well! Are you preparing to return to work, or will you continue shielding for a bit longer? Do you have any advice for Mandy? What should she do? Feel free to share any experiences or advice you may have here!

@Wendii‍ @Denise.waite‍ @Helen1510‍ @Nanny58‍ @Suzie1965‍ @Laureyk‍ @Lorrylane‍ @Tabm1970‍ @Paulakeat‍ @Sharon33‍ @Sand1956‍ @Lisacampbell361‍ @TElliott‍ @Dianadb‍ @Rosiespend‍ @Tracys2223‍ @Binty1972‍

Take care,

Courtney

Hi all, hope you're keeping well, 

My 12yr old daughter has acute asthma and is currently struggling with controlling it. I'm not sending her back to school until I feel it's safe for her to be there, I am also keeping my son at home as I'm not prepared to risk him bringing it home. I don't think we have enough information at the moment and until the numbers have fallen to 1000 or less new infections I'm not risking anything. I know I sound like a mad paranoid mum but I'll admit this has scared me. 

But I would speak again with your gp and voice your concerns, stay safe and stay well x 

Hi how is everyone

my asthma is not under control at the moment. Have increased my Preventer and using my ventolin when needed.i find when outside on a walking struggling to breath and keep coughing so am going to wear a mask when out walking my dog. Phoned doctor they are going to ring tomorrow for a phone conversation to discuss my options. 

@Helen1510 You don't sound paranoid, don't worry. I'm just as worried as you are and I'm a 35 year old man. I agree there doesn't seem to be enough information yet, so I'm staying in home office until there's more information for us with respiratory diseases. I feel like what's out there now is aimed at people with no medical conditions at all.

@Rosiespend Take care of yourself, let us know what the doctor says. It sounds like a good idea to keep wearing a mask, I too so too when I go out for the shopping when I can't get it delivered.

Doctor rang me this morning had a long chat Asked lots of questions. Got to have 5 steroids Every morning for the next five days and isolate myself. If that does not work need to go to the hospital. 

Hi I did not get a letter from the government but was also told to self isolate for 12 weeks. I work in a primary school and I’m worried about returning to work . I’m worried because it’s most unlikely I’ll  be able to distance from pupils. My asthma is not great at the minute either, I’m on fostair but also taking my ventolin 3-4 times a day. I’m waking up in the night and morning with a tight chest. My GP has increased my Fostair to 2 puffs 4 times a day and if it doesn’t improve  they will give me a course of steroids.

I'm asthmatic and didn't get a shielding letter from the government. I spoke to my GP as I had concerns about going to work (I wok in the office in a Primary school) and was told I would be fine to go ti work. I spoke to my employer outlining my concerns but they have said as I didn't get a shielding letter I have to go in. I have really been struggling with my asthma and my GP have been prescribed 8 steroids a day for 5 days, antibiotics and have had to have a COVID-19 test which I am currently awiting  the results of. I am really worried about the strong possibility of some children returning to school on 1st June and the high risk this poses to me due to the job I do. Has anybody else been in a similar position and what have you done? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I also work in the office of a primary school and was not sent a letter from the government. I have not received any information of the school as to whether I have to return yet. I am 49 years old and have struggled with my breathing for a few weeks. I also have osteoarthritis in my neck. I had surgery on my spine in October which has left me with swallowing issues due to moving my tubes in my throat area. When I contacted the GP they refused to deal with my request for support as I may be due to return to work. I’m very scared about returning to work. I’m the main person for first aid in the school. 

I'm asthmatic and had a shielding letter. I'm really confused what happens when shielding ends. My govt text said 30th june which my employer is going by. Does anyone know if shielding is to be extended?

I'm asthmatic and did not get a letter from the government. I suffered what appeared to be covid symptoms for 4 weeks but was never tested so no idea if it was. I have been on sick leave for last 8 weeks so 12 weeks in total. I now have to return to work next week and I am really dreading it. I am a home care worker and I am working with only 1 lady four days 1 week and 3 days the next week but I am unsure about face masks as I have been told not to wear one as it will hinder my breathing but then I'll be at risk. Very anxious about it but feel if I dont go back now I wont want to at all and I need the money. Hubby is self employed driving instructor and has been unable to work since social distancing rules started so dont know how long he'll be unable to work. Sorry for long post.