Shielding , work from home or stay in work

[Miss-Daisy]

I have had asthma since about 4 ( now 52) and am on salbutamol, Fostair 200, montelukast and have just started Spiriva. Last lockdown whenI wasn’t on spiriva my risk assessment put me to work from home due to having 3 lots of steroids in last 12 months , but I haven’t had steroids since Jan this year . I work on a neonatal unit which is considered moderate risk . Should my current medications put me as still working patient facing , working from home or shielding?

[twinkly29]

I think you probably need to discuss it with your GP or asthma nurse. It's a perfectly valid question in light of your circumstances having changed - but even if people here say "oh shield, don't ever leave the house....", their say-so isn't going to help. So if your GP is concerned they may advise you to do so which obviously carries more weight.

One thought though, you may be on an extra preventer but you've had fewer steroid courses, suggesting your asthma is actually more controlled now which would be thought to be better I think.

[KJ48]

Hi. Thought I'd reply as i am almost the same age, have had asthma for about as long and am on the same medication as you (except symbicort instead of fostair)! I was shielding first time round and have received the CEV email this time, so seems to me you should have had it too. Agree with twinkly that you should contact your GP / AN to look to get confirmation.

[Jollygood]

Hi

I'm on the same meds as you minus the spiriva & I haven't been told to shield but I'm distancing myself as much as possible.