Should I temporarily shield?

[Flowergirl78]

Hi, I am on my second 5 day course of prednisolone this year. First time was to get my asthma under control and this time is apparently to do with my hayfever. Should I be shielding whilst taking the prednisolone or carry on as I am with being careful with social distancing? I only go out to Tesco to do shopping anyway and I go early so it's not as busy.

[Wheezycat]

If you can get someone to do shopping for you it would probably be better, but you are seemingly already taking many precautions.

[Flowergirl78 in reply to Wheezycat]

Thank you. Wanted to check that it wasnt a 'you must stay in' whilst taking it but a 'try to avoid going out and strictly social distance'. I try to do that anyway.

[twinkly29]

My inclination would be no, just carry on as you are. The steroid element for the shielding group is (to my mind, although I could be wrong) due to the fact that continuous steroids, or 4 or more courses within 6 months, means things are not necessarily under control (as opposed to the occasional course for a flare) - not because of immunity. In any case, I don't think short courses of steroids affect the immune system in the same way as prolonged treatment.

[Flowergirl78 in reply to twinkly29]

Thank you. I am going to carry on as I am and just strictly social distance. I am as careful as I can be anyway and only really go out for shopping.

[LDloveslattecoffe]

Ask GP for advice, I did not get shielding letter but GP advised me to.

Locally you may have like here a scheme which council can help you tell a voluntary org your shopping list then ring council and pay by debit and credit card.

The volunteers get shopping list from Charity and cash from council then go shopping. They deliver shopping and give you receipt and change.

I get Hayfever too. I stay in as much as poss to avoid the pollen but still have symptoms and it can aggravate asthma flare ups so take care.

[Flowergirl78 in reply to LDloveslattecoffe]

Thank you. After reading everything I can I dont think I need to shield but strictly social distance. I wouldn't want to take a space for shopping from those that need it. I always go shopping when its quiet and no queue to get in and avoid going out for anything else. Just annoying how much hayfever can affect people!

[Bucketlist]

I would get someone else to do your shopping if possible, I had a problem back in March and the Dr. said that if possible I shouldn’t take the Pred, because of the ‘current situation’ I was rough for quite a while and was very tempted to take my ‘just in case’ pack.

But I didn’t, it sounds as though you don’t have a choice though, so I would definitely take the Pred but stay at home.if you are going shopping I would wear a mask and gloves then shower and change your clothing when you get home. Hope you feel better soon