Shielding Clarification

[Swimmingaddict]

I have read this morning a number of posts about those who are concerned by the shielding advice and also some good explanations of how the confusion has arisen.

Asthma UK did a great job to get the information out, but like others I am confused by the situation. It would be great if they could liaise with the Gov.uk and DoH advice as it seems we are in a state of limbo

For info I am on Fostair 200/6 two puff twice a day and Montelukast. I am almost at the end of a rescue of steroids and antibiotics for the first time after what I believe was a cold. I don’t have severe asthma but have been told that my asthma was poorly controlled for the last 12-18 months (my GP didn’t believe me as she never heard a wheeze or my PEF wasn’t variable - she never even looked at it!).

I am a carer for my husband who is 72, diabetic and other conditions so I can’t afford to take any risks that I shouldn’t. For now I am using the table, but I am really going to struggle when we need medication.

[twinkly29]

Firstly, 🙄 to your GP. Unfortunately some do still think you have to wheeze to have asthma which is definitely not the case.

Your level of Fostair does bring you into the shielding group. The steroids and antibiotics in your case aren't relevant as they are not ones you take every day all year round - but being on the level of Fostair you are, you're in the group anyway.

I think what's confusing is that the government use(d) the word "severe" when they mean high risk. So now people are confused and concerned having received texts or letters, or who meet the criteria on AUK but who haven't had them. Then of course there are those who aren't severe but who like dramatic sounding labels will be clinging to that forevermore 🙈.

There is a government thing you can register on to receive help as a vulnerable person. Do you have family or a friend or neighbour who could collect things for you? My GP surgery is asking people to order medication online or over the phone and to nominate a pharmacy where they'll send the prescription to. Then people or their representative collect the medication from there. There may well be other groups in your area doing such jobs for people.

gov.uk/coronavirus-extremel...

[Robinson2 in reply to twinkly29]

Hi,

I am little confused also. I do not think I fit into the criteria for shielding but a friend of mine sent me a link to the asthma uk page and my mediaction is on there but I am not clear if I am on a high enough dose? I take 4x puffs 100/6 fostair and 2x puffs 2.5mg tiotropium per day. Can anyone advise? I am keeping everything crossed that I dont't!

[twinkly29 in reply to Robinson2]

I think the tiotropium puts you in the shielding group. I'm not sure if everyone who meets the AUK criteria gets a letter..... I originally thought they wouldn't as surely 1.5million isn't enough.....but others have noticed people on say similar meds to you getting them.

Sorry that's probably not the answer you were hoping for!

[Swimmingaddict in reply to twinkly29]

Thank you. That was my understanding too, I just wasn’t sure if I could use the government register without the letter or text. I agree with you that for some they will love the drama. I don’t fancy contacting my GP for clarity!!

I will have a look for local help.

[twinkly29 in reply to Swimmingaddict]

It's extra hard (generally!) if you don't have a good GP or surgery. Worth a go with the gov register.....but I don't actually know how it works anyway 😂. I registered but no idea beyond that!

[Swimmingaddict in reply to twinkly29]

I need someone to post it for me, but I have written a letter to express my unhappiness as it was not an isolated incident in how she treated both myself and my husband. Most of the other GPs are OK and the AN is great.

I already used Ocado for my weekly shop so we don’t need food provided (plus I have food allergies which would complicate that)!

I think I might post something on the Gov WhatsApp. I don’t want to bother the respiratory consultant unless I have to as I am sure he will be very busy!

[twinkly29 in reply to Swimmingaddict]

Bother whoever you need - I know it's hard, I hate it too, but you're just as important as the next person.

If you phone GPs, could you ask for AN to phone you? Or a different GP?

[Swimmingaddict in reply to twinkly29]

Asking to speak to AN sounds like a good idea. If I get sick it will be an extra burden on social care as they will need to provide care for my husband multiple times a day!