Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation sufferer. Will we be required to self isolate?

[Mainone]

Hi everyone I’m new to the forum and this is my first post here so forgive me if this has been asked.

I’m 28 from the UK. I have Paroxysmal AF. My last big attack was 2 years ago, when I was hospitalised overnight. I’m otherwise in good health. I have been offered the flu vaccine the last two years via an automatic text message from the NHS. I’m curious is anyone in a similar situation and wondering whether they should follow the 12 week self isolation guidelines.

Thanks in advance.

[Locksy1]

I'd like to know this too. I am lucky I can work from home so have virtually done this and am assuming i am in a risk category. A few years ago when i was really ill following an appendix operation my heart was doing somersaults and my normal flecanide medication did not stop the episode.

I worry that with COVID 19 the result might be the same and coupled with the fact that when in an episode of AF I can be short of breath as my heart does not pump the blood around my lungs as efficiently as normal.

Im in the UK and working on the assumption I am at risk and should self isolate until someone I trust tells me otherwise.

[Mainone in reply to Locksy1]

Thanks for your response. Yes I have the same worries that it could cause an episode. Just the stress of this has already given me some palpitations. I’m in a position where I can work from home and self isolate too. So I guess just take the precautions and be sensible.

Do you take medication for your AF out of interest?

[Hidden]

To our knowledge, Atrial fibrillation alone is unlikely to increase your risk of contracting COVID-19 (Coronavirus).

However, should you contract the disease, it may exacerbate your symptoms. In layperson's terms, when we have a cold, flu or chest infection, even the healthiest of people may experience palpitations. Therefore, this condition could trigger an episode of AF.

AF Association recommends following government guidelines, and any future announcements.

I believe that the NHS will be in touch with those who are "at risk" (flu jab recipients?) over the coming week or so to give advice.

Best wishes to all

Rachel - AF Association Patient Services.

[Mainone in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Rachel

[Finvola in reply to Hidden]

Good advice Rachel - there was a report in a serious newspaper that those who need to receive flu jabs are considered to be more at risk.

[Hidden]

Since my last reply, I have also seen on Health Unlocked a link to some excellent advice shared by BobD

gov.uk/government/publicati...

Please ensure you keep yourself up to date on the .gov.uk website

Rachel

[Auriculaire in reply to Hidden]

Sorry but government as usual behind the curve so you are not actually keeping yourself "up to date" by relying on their advice. A report in the Guardian in the last couple of days quoted the President of Italy's Higher Institute of Health as listing afib along with arterial hypertension, chronic heart disease and cancer as the most common underlying pathologies for coronavirus poor outcomes. The government should be listening very carefully to what is being found out in Italy about this disease as it is more relevant to European populations. It seems that not updating their list to include afib makes us once again the forgotten poor relations of heart disease .

[Hidden]

I also have paroxysmal AF, but also have bradycardia - my normal heart rate is anything between 37 - 45 beats per minute. I am a registered nurse in the UK working on a hospital ward. I am currently still working and find the information vague on whether AF would be considered a vulnerable group. I personally think it would though and I hope to get clarity on whether we need to take extra precautions.

[Mainone in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your reply. Yes, I have also found the information vague. The Gov.uk guidelines mention heart disease broadly but with no mention of the specific heart conditions that are more at risk.

[Hidden in reply to Mainone]

I will be speaking to my occupational health department, so I will let you know the outcome

[Mainone in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, yes please do let me know what they say

[Dodie117 in reply to Hidden]

Agreed that a bit vague and would appreciate your feedback.

[Hidden in reply to Dodie117]

I'm just waiting for a reply from occupational health, it will probably be tomorrow.

[Kevinder23]

Yes I’m really concerned as I’m on flecanide and my consultant has said if I go int A/f for more than 12/24hrs to go to A/e for cardio version but I doubt whether they would do one at minute and I really am perified if I needed one anyway !! If I get a cough it usually does make my A/f worse so am quiet stressed at minute as advice is very vague for A/f sufferers I feel . I know there are worse illnesses I am really concerned xx

[Mainone in reply to Kevinder23]

Yes, my last AF attack lasted 48 hours and I ended up having to stay a night in hospital. So am quite wary of this causing another episode as well. It has made me feel a bit better that this forum exists, as until now haven’t really had anywhere to go to discuss these things.

[Buffafly]

My understanding is that anyone offered the flu jab should follow the 12 week guidelines if possible.

[Mainone in reply to Buffafly]

Thanks for your reply. The 12 week guidelines haven’t yet come into effect though right?

[Buffafly in reply to Mainone]

Friday, I think.

[Surreychica_1]

If you have been offered a flu vaccine then you are in the "at risk" category and you should "self Isolate".

[Mainone]

I’ve just seen an article quoting Matt Hancock as saying that all 1.4 million people who will be required to self isolate will receive a text message or some form of communication by Monday. So I guess we will know if we’re included by then.