Am I in the ‘at risk’ group for cv19?

[Ginter]

I am 64 and have had COPD for 4 years. I take medication daily which relieves all my symptoms and I live my life without any breathing issues. I run and walk regularly and feel fantastic. What I would like to find whether or not I would be considered in the ‘at risk’ group when it comes to special measures needed to be taken by this group. I don’t want to trouble my doctor with this as he has enough on his plate at the moment.

[Lemon7]

I am no expert but I think anyone with a chronic lung condition would certainly be in an at risk category. Keep safe, good wishes.

[Hacienda]

I'm High Risk That is why I am in Self isolation 2 weeks now, Stay well, Stay safe Hun. Do what you feel you should do. xxxx C.

[skischool]

Although you are in the at risk group and need to take the advised actions to avoid infection the fact that you are stable and have enough remaining lung capacity to run and have relatively little breathlessness probably means that you are in a better place than many on the forum and could well survive an infection but it makes more sense not to catch it in the first place.

Stay safe and healthy

[hypercat54]

I am mid 60's with mild copd and am healthy otherwise. I don't think I am at as high a risk as those who are moderate or severe, so I am going about my life virtually as normal with sensible precautions of course. I have stopped going on crowded public transport though.

One of my sisters is disabled and goes into town by cab so I hop in with her. x

[Kate0307]

I think you will find that all those people with an underlying health condition, which clearly includes Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, are included. And suggest that the virus focuses on your lungs and therefore at risk. Take care of yourself and others

[anng18]

Hi Ginter,

My advice would be to err on the side of caution.

If you do get Covid19, you may survive, but your lungs could suffer further substantial damage that could interfere with your future quality of life.

I was a bit like you some years ago, but having suffered a lot of lung infections, which I was exposed to, as I was a teacher, my lungs are an awful lot worse than they were.

Take care

[Ginter in reply to anng18]

Good point well made. Thank you and everyone else who has replied.

[Superzob]

I understand the Government is to release advice on what is considered a "significant health condition" later this week, and what individuals with such a condition should do. Hopefully, that will clarify the situation for a number of people.

[Maricopa]

Seems anyone exposed is at risk. The E.R. physician in Paterson New Jersey is only 40. He’s critical in ICU.

[lilliput]

I'm in a similar situation to you Ginter and never usually use this site as I have no need. I now have borderline COPD but not affected by it, play a wind instrument in an amateur orchestra twice a week for example. My lung function has improved since swapping smoking for vaping 6 years ago. I'm still on the COPD list but discussed coming off it at GPs having had borderline results 2 years in a row. They suggested staying on it in case readings changed. Since having the pneumo jab and flu jabs, I haven't had a chest infection in about 7 years.

Now quite worried that I'll get a letter. I'd far rather support neighbours as out of a group of 6: 4 are elderly, the only other youngish guy has asthma and only he, me and 1 other drive. 1 has no internet access or a car and there is only 1 local shop within walking distance.

[Ginter in reply to lilliput]

I am glad that your COPD is under control liliput. I do not think there is any danger of you receiving a letter and being confined to your home, This is only for “extremely vulnerable” people who have very serious conditions. This is called “social shielding”. It seems to me you fall into the “vulnerable” group where you should be “particularly stringent” in practicing “social distancing”. Everyone else who should be “social distancing” unless there are showing symptoms or living with someone who is. This is explained much better on the gov.uk site which is being updated regularly with the latest advice. Remember if you take care with your social interactions you are unlikely to get this virus. Panic buying is a worry but once everybody’s larders are full it will probably stop. Stay safe and read the government guidance carefully.

[garshe]

You will receive a letter.

[lilliput]

New guidance only mentions severe COPD so hopefully I won't get a letter.