CEV Criteria

[SECRAVEN]

Hello

I know shielding is not really a thing at the moment but I was wondering if anyone knows what the criteria is to be considered CEV (Clinically Extremely Vulnerable) because of asthma?

My asthma has deteriorated quite significantly over the last few months. I've not had to be hospitalised because of it but I've had two recent asthma attacks which I was able to control at home following my action plan. My peak flow is all over the place and very rarely in 'the green zone'. I'm still symptomatic (tight chest & cough) and needing my Salbutamol inhaler daily. I'm working with my GP-run asthma clinic to try get it under control again and find the right medication to get me there.

I've recently been switched to Fluticasone 250/Formoterol 10 (2 puffs twice a day) which I believe quite a strong steroid dose with a LABA agent.

I remember seeing a grid a while back on the asthma UK site which indicated what category you'd be in based on medication but I cannot find it at all, nor can I find any other information other than the JCVI criteria (hospitalision or oral steroids).

Thank youSteph

[twinkly29]

They stopped using medications as criteria quite early on, over a year ago I think, as people seemed to see the name of a medication and misinterpret it.

To be in group 6 for vaccines one was supposed to have had hospital admissions I think so I don't think asthma flares at home would mean someone was CEV. It just means your asthma has been less controlled than it should be and, although you're doing absolutely the right thing with it, it can take a couple of months to see if a new inhaler is the right one.

But as you said, the vulnerability thing isn't a thing any more or at the moment anyway so I wouldn't worry about it. If it became relevant then that would be the time to discuss with your GP particularly as CEV is some severe asthma and any severe asthma should involve being seen by a consultant.

[SECRAVEN in reply to twinkly29]

Hi Twinkly29

Thank you for taking the time to read and reply to my post. I appreciate your advice. I figured a medication based criteria was no longer a thing - I guess that's why they pulled the page.

Kind regards

Steph

[Hidden]

The latest criteria for CEV due to severe asthma was having x4 courses of prednisolone over a 6 month period, continuous prednisolone of 20mg or more, or biologics or a daily high dose steroid inhaler 2000mcg and / or long term antibiotics - you’d be under the care of a respiratory consultant for these doses / meds usually. Here’s the link for the criteria, as although shielding has paused, we’re still being advised to be cautious nhs.uk/conditions/coronavir...

If you’re worried, get in touch with your GP as they have the discretion to add you to the shielded patient list which is being maintained for future reference I believe.

I think everyone is struggling with their asthma at the moment, I’ve had an ongoing flare since April - the pollen and weather haven’t helped as well as a couple of infections. Make sure you’re resting after you’ve had an attack as you need to give yourself time to recover! If things aren’t settling, I would get in touch with your GP so they can decide if your current treatment needs stepping up.

Hope you’re feeling better soon x

[SECRAVEN in reply to Hidden]

Hi Lottie36

Thank you for taking the time to read and reply to my post. Hmm I guess not I'm not CEV based on the latest criteria. I have another asthma clinic appointment next week so I will deffo ask if the GP can review my risk and add me to the list if they feel there is sufficient cause for concern. I know shielding isn't really a thing at the minute but my employer would be a lot more tolerant of a request to continue working from home till case rates are a bit lower if I had the back up from a medical professional to prove it's a genuine concern and not just an excuse. Unfortunately they are following Government advice and that is 'meh, it's safe now'.

I usually find my asthma is way better from April till September but this year it's just not improved from winter and now this is the worst I've ever had it. It's hard to know if it's because the pollen is so high this year it's enough to become a trigger for the first time, or because of the vaccine, or just one of those things. I'm really dreading autumn/winter when it's normally worse.

I've been working with the clinic to find the right medication and dosage to help regain control. This is my 4th inhaler to try and I'm not sure it's right one for me but it's early days (been taking it less than a week) so I'll persevere for now.

I hope you start to feel better soon too. It's proper pants not being able to breathe!

Kind regards

Steph

[Poobah in reply to SECRAVEN]

You should have been given the option of an occupational health review by your employer in order to assess the risks posed by covid to you, as an asthmatic, in the workplace. If you work for a large employer they will have access to a qualified occupational health professional through their HR department. The OHR identifies risks and makes recommendations of reasonable adjustments that are designed to lessen the risk. In this scenario, WFH is an option that they can recommend, if necessary.

If your employer doesn't have access to an occupational health practitioner then you are able to access the same services for free via a government scheme entitled Access to Work. gov.uk/access-to-work

So have a chat with HR or phone Access to Work about WFH. It maybe that your employer will just cut to the chase and allow you to WFH without going through a OHR once they realise your situation.

[CotswoldSquirrel]

I've been added to the Shielding list recently. I'm on Fostair 200, Salmeterol and Salbutamol, Montelokast and Fexofendine. I've also had about 4 courses of prednisolone over 5 months. I've been referred to the respiratory clinic but haven't had my appointment through yet.

I haven't been admitted for an attack but have had a couple of ambulances out before stabilising (during the pandemic so had stricl instructions to call for another ambulance if I got worse).