Am I at higher risk from Covid 19??

[Cakerunner]

Hi there,

Just looking for advice......hope you guys can help.

I've recently had severe chest problems, resulting in six weeks off work, 5 courses of antibiotics ( one doctor saying I had chest infection and pleurisy), x-rays CT scans ....my GP throughout kept on saying he thought it was all being caused by underlying asthma, bronchitis or some such....anyway, I couldn't have spirometry, still haven't, because I haven't yet had a six week break between antibiotics to get it done....in the end my GP have me a prevented inhaler to try....and hey presto an improvement...finally. He told me to see the asthma nurse, which I did, she said increase brown inhaler to 3 puffs morning and evening, use ventolin when needed and she would do spirometry when I'd had six weeks since antibiotics. I was finally well enough for work....so I went back, I managed 8 days before I was back at docs with sinusitis again.....more antibiotics.....more waiting for spirometry...then, Corona virus hit! So, I'm school workforce, I'm needed at school, we're desperately trying to stay open to support families of those in our front line NHS.....but, am I in fact high risk even though I haven't got a diagnosis yet?? And if I am, do I stay home and how long for??? I am currently at home, trying to get an answer to this question, can't get anyone to speak to me from GP, or asthma nurse, or NHS 111 ....because I'm not actually displaying symptoms of covid 19......my headteachers just said go home call 111 and let me know.....help?🥺

[daleboy3]

Here is what you need to do to get through Corona Virus, Make a brew using turmeric 1 heaped table spoon with 2 teaspoons of Ginger powder & the juice of one Lemon put these into 1 litre of water bring to boiling point cut back heat to simmer for 20 minutes let this brew chill right down & drink a cup twice a day the Anti- inflammation contained in this brew will help your lungs & sinuses after 3 days of consumption but don’t stop there as Covid-19 is here this brew will raise your immune system to help fight it

[Cakerunner in reply to daleboy3]

Does this actually help immunity? I mean it can't hurt right? Its worth a try, thank you😊

[Annnor in reply to daleboy3]

I was told that anti inflammatory medication, remedies etc make virus worse.

[Cakerunner in reply to Annnor]

I think daleboy3 was referring to help for my sinusitis and lungs, I don't have Corona virus. It is true that advice is currently that anti inflammatory meds may make covid 19 worse.

[Troilus]

Hi Sonia. Keep an eye on the tv. It is expected that schools will be closed. Whether this is before the Easter or after, no one seems sure.

For the time being, because you are unwell, I would stay off work. I would also follow all of the advice given for those people have respiratory disease until you have a firm diagnoses.

[Cakerunner in reply to Troilus]

Thank you Troilus. I have managed to speak to an asthma nurse now, her advice was to practice social distancing for the time being, you are correct, school is probably closing anyway.

[Troilus in reply to Cakerunner]

👍 stay safe

[Hidden]

I think you need to ring 111 and explain your situation, don't leave this to chance.

[Cakerunner in reply to Hidden]

Believe me I tried.....3 hours of trying to get someone to have a conversation with me about it....they only want to know if you think you've got the virus...if you don't they basically say check the website....like you haven't done that already! Thank goodness for asthma UK!

[Paradigm]

Hi, if you're taking a preventer inhaler you are "high risk" and should social distance as much as possible.

If you are "very high risk" your GP or hospital will tell you to isolate for 12 weeks sometime this week.

I know four people told to stay in. I have not been.

[Cakerunner in reply to Paradigm]

Thank you, yes, ivd spoken to an asthma nurse now. She said the same as you😊

[Calmcat in reply to Paradigm]

Can I ask if anyone knows- What is the difference clinical between high risk and very high risk groups please? Eg if high risk is an using a preventer inhaler when does it become very high risk? Also what is the difference between ‘isolating’ and ‘social distancing’?

[Paradigm in reply to Calmcat]

Isolating - don't leave your house for 12 weeks, except for the odd walk outside 2m from anyone. Strongly advised against family visiting.

Social isolating - try to stay 2m away from people and and avoid non-essential trips (essential being food and work), work from home if you can. Avoid social events.

You can check out more detail on the gov.uk website.

The NHS will contact you (do not contact them) if you are very high risk. If you are not contact, assume high risk.

Very high risk is severe asthma - multiple admissions and continuous or frequent steriod tablets.

[Calmcat in reply to Paradigm]

Thanks

[Recordergirl]

Hi, I'm sorry you're in this situation, it is so difficult. I think you need to err on the side of caution. You are taking asthma medication, therefore I think you could argue that you have asthma. I am also a teacher and am currently off because my asthma is bad and because of the advice. I am worried that I will be asked to go into school but I am hoping that they will need reduced numbers of teachers because there will be reduced numbers of pupils. How big is your school? There are quite a few young teachers at my school so I am hoping that they are the ones that are called upon first, as they have less family commitments and health issues (I think). I also think you need to keep trying to get hold of a GP. It took be ages of being on hold (we had three phones on constant redial) but eventually I got through. They will triage probably and you might be at the bottom end of priority for a call back, but they should still do it eventually. Take care.

[Cakerunner in reply to Recordergirl]

I'm in a similar position to you, Recordergirl, I'm going to keep trying the docs as the asthma nurse said I should definitely be using a spacer for my preventer? Said that helps it get right down into your lungs....thank you for the advice, I wish you all the luck in the world 😊

[Recordergirl]

And you! At least we have this forum to try and get reassurance and support.

[Cakerunner in reply to Recordergirl]

Thank goodness for health forums! This is literally the only place I was able to get any advice yesterday, I was getting very anxious until I managed to speak to an asthma nurse at asthma UK.....link at the bottom of the page......my God these people are heroes! I usually run at least one race for cancer research each year.....I have been knocked on my bum this year so far by my treacherous lungs....but when I'm up and going again, an extra race for our amazing NHS staff, will be on my agender.....maybe even and asthma UK one.....I'd better pace myself ........🤔

[Recordergirl in reply to Cakerunner]

I'm with you on that one! I was a 'reluctant' runner until about 6 months ago when my general fatigue and breathing got the better of me. Last run I did was last summer for Cancer Research. I think an NHS/Asthma one will be on the cards, even if I have to walk it all!

[Cakerunner in reply to Recordergirl]

Yes! We can walk it right!? I did the Couch to 5k thing two years ago now, amazed myself that I was able to run at all, much less for 30 mins....up until my lungs said nope...last November time☹I was still a regular runner, maybe only once a week but a runner non the less....never very quick mind you, but who cares?! Let's do it, something to aim for yes??🏃‍♀️

[Recordergirl in reply to Cakerunner]

Definitely!! Do you think it's ok to go for a walk right now? I am so desperate for fresh air but so scared of being near people. Wondering if it's wise but would love to just walk round the block for 10 minutes!

[Beefull8 in reply to Recordergirl]

I go when there’s not a lot of people out. This means sometimes it’s early in the morning or in the later evening. Even if it’s drizzling because not much people walk the .

[Cakerunner in reply to Recordergirl]

I've been wondering the exact same thing.....and I've decided to go out for a walk....I shall avoid everyone I see, give em a wide berth and a friendly wave and smile.....that's my plan anyway......😊

[Recordergirl in reply to Cakerunner]

I went but panicked every time I saw another person and half way round I needed to cough. It was not a positive experience.

[Cakerunner in reply to Recordergirl]

That's a problem isn't it? Everytime I need to cough anywhere, I find myself saying very loudly "Its okay I have asthma!" To nobody in particular! Been like that at school since this outbreak......of course only my family can hear my coughing currently....