COVID-19

[Asthma1545]

Hi, I work for the NHS and I’ve seen the asthma UK guidance on isolating for 12 weeks. I apparently fall into this category as I am taking symbicort 400/12 two puffs twice daily. I didn’t realise my asthma was severe I knew it was worse then the average. I have not yet received any message or letter and I know they have my contact details as they always text for the flu jab. Am I suppose to be working? Being a key worker I’m so torn. Has anyone not received a message yet who was suppose to? Thank you! Stay safe x

[Hidden]

I’m also on the BLF site & there are many people there whom I know fall into then”shielding” category but haven’t heard anything yet. I suppose it’ll take a few days to notify all 1.5m people

[Asthma1545 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you! I’ll wait and see

[1974lovejoy]

Hi .. I’m also frontline NHS and I was stood down last week .... I had an AE admission (One of many the last year) and Dr told me I should not be patient facing ... I wasn’t convinced I’d be in shielding category until I saw the list last night .., I have received the txt today ....

You need to talk to work about the risks to you should you get it .... I have been through lots of emotions the last 10 days and finally came round to being selfish and pushing to be stood down ..,

The txts or letters I think will be put sometime this week .. and they say if you fall in the category but don’t hear to contact GP I think after 29th ?? Someone may have more info on here but that’s what I’ve read ...

stay safe and look after yourself x

[Asthma1545 in reply to 1974lovejoy]

Thanks so much for your reply. This is so scary, I’m terrified I’ll end up in ICU

[1974lovejoy in reply to Asthma1545]

Me too ... be selfish ... us in NHS are not good at putting ourselves first .. it goes against the grain .... but this time I have .... and I actually don’t feel guilty and feel in control !!!!

[Poobah in reply to 1974lovejoy]

Yes, texts and messages will roll out up to, and including, Sunday 29th March.

[MrsCMK]

I’m in the same boat as you. I’m in on the frontline but also have Severe Asthma. Not had my letter yet but should have it by the weekend. England are a step ahead issuing a text messages.

I spent yesterday and today completely torn, with a similar moral debate but have made the decision to isolate for 12 weeks from tomorrow. I can still support my colleagues but not how I’d like- it’s better than nothing though.

As a key worker, the “rules” are expected to be bent but it’s down to you to decide what’s best for you and how great a risk you and others will be in if you continued. Please don’t be too hard on yourself if you decide to isolate, it probably feels strange but sometimes you do just have to put yourself first x

[Asthma1545 in reply to MrsCMK]

Your absolutely right, it’s a very hard choice. But I guess I will just end up another patient needing a bed most likely. Are they going to continue to pay you? I am in London and in the epicentre of it all! X

[MrsCMK in reply to Asthma1545]

You’ve hit the nail on the head there! Also, the thought of how incredibly dangerous and difficult it is for severe asthmatics to recover from this was what did it for me. If you decide to isolate, applaud yourself for how well you’ve done for hanging in this long!

I’m incredibly lucky, I will get paid because my role allows me to operate from home 🙏🏽

[1974lovejoy in reply to MrsCMK]

The AE Dr did it for me when I was admitted 10 days ago .. he said I should not be frontline patient facing ... ( I’m in ambulance service ) .... it made me realise these drs are actually very scared and worried and by taking myself away , protecting myself I am also protecting them ... xxx

[MrsCMK in reply to 1974lovejoy]

Oh wow! I’m so glad you listened to him. It makes you think that sometimes common sense must prevail, despite it feeling alien. At least you know you’re safe now! 🙏🏽

[1974lovejoy in reply to MrsCMK]

Most definitely glad .. I’ve been very nervous for a few weeks now since it was first banded about ... I have never worried about anything I risk picking up at work and affecting my chest .. but this has totally freaked me out ... the speed and effects on the human race is beyond anything I can rationalise .. as medics we are very scared and I’m worried desperately for my ‘green’ family .. but for now I’m safe and with tonight’s lock down I’m hoping there will be a lot more of us safe too xxxx

[MrsCMK in reply to 1974lovejoy]

It really is something quite different and really scary 😢 Please stay safe and well, the NHS will need you more when this is all over!

[1974lovejoy in reply to MrsCMK]

You too ... xx

[Hidden]

Yes they’ve said 29 March, but personally I wouldn’t wait that long. I’d phone GP on thurs or fri to check your name has been put forward

[1974lovejoy in reply to Hidden]

I agree .... x

[KJ48]

I got my text last night and it really threw me as I never saw myself in that category. Never been referred to a consultant,never been hospitalised, never had asthma which has left me feeling at risk. Seems to be the fact that my AN put me on tiotopium to help with frequent low level breathing issues which does seem to work. I am a teacher and wanted to do my part looking after key worker children - I can still work from home but feel a bit of a fraud!

[Poobah in reply to KJ48]

I think that having to screen so many patients for this exercise they've been over cautious as they haven't been able to screen to any depth. I've been included and didn't think I was in this group at all.

[Fivefeet]

That is a very good question, personally I would be ring your manager up and speak to them, my friend she had a message from her manager saying because her asthma not to go to work for a couple of days this was yesterday morning she’s not severe asthma but she is a cleaner for the schools but worth speaking you someone about as personally wouldn’t want to risk it keep safe

[Danielmystar]

Hi Asthma1545 my brother is the same as you NHS worker bad asthma prone to chest infections he's not received letter either

[cathmc58]

Stay safe, live to do your job at a later date xxxx thankyou for your service xxxx

[Birthday60]

I’ve received the official text and take 4 different meds so I guess you are not considered severe - lucky you

[Fivefeet in reply to Birthday60]

Letter and texts also it’s so difficult hope you are all safe and well

[dawnhaycock]

Yes got a txt yesterday for my daughter. She is on two inhalers, steroids and mepo.

[Abc64]

I received a text last night. It depends what meds you take, I think. Ask for gp to clarify when they have time. I’m on fostair , braltus and montelukast. Look on asthma uk website for up to date information.

[Claudy1965]

I too am a nurse but working on the phones -self employed and brittle asthma - got the text but I’m continuing as self - employed - just being very careful - it’s a difficult time for asthmatics x

[Smegs1978]

My letter came in the post today, it was signed from my drs but when I rang them for something else yesterday they didn’t have a clue about when the letters would be sent as she said they are sent directly from publicly health England.

My friend also received hers today and our surnames start with the same letter so I wonder if they are being sent in alphabetical order.

[golden-retriever]

> “Am I supposed to be working? Being a key worker I’m torn”.

I wouldn’t feel bad about staying away. It’s in the interests of the NHS that you do. When anyone high-risk becomes sick with COVID-19, they take a much bigger share of valuable resources.