So much confusion over eligibility for covid antivirals

[BreatheasyBe]

So here we have the British thoracic’s society clearly stating respiratory patients should be included in eligibility under the IMID category.

[Hidden]

As usual, a right c up!Along with others who should be included I haven't been contacted.

[teenieleek]

I was wondering why I hadn’t heard a peep about getting antivirals should I need them. Seems strange that patients with lung conditions should be excluded when covid specifically targets lungs.

[Balloo in reply to teenieleek]

I think this just up to your doc .or ask .

[SORRELHIPPO]

I think we may be confusing two different things.

First, there is the trial, where some of us have been sent the home PCR test, and if positive will get one of the two antivirals, and the only area in which "lungs" would appear qualify, is the last about being more liable to Get infections.

Second, there is the guidance, for when Medics, GP or Consultant, should prescribe antivirals, that are available for them to prescribe. I think everyone who is concerned, should photocopy above, for when they need to discuss with their Medic.

[BreatheasyBe in reply to SORRELHIPPO]

The reply I’ve received from MSP regarding that very wording: In your email, your constituent refers to the criteria on the NHS England website, which includes “a condition or treatment that makes you more likely to get infections” as an eligible group: nhs.uk/conditions/coronavir...

I note that this is not a term used in the UK-wide policy document (although of course some conditions or treatments will be covered in the cohorts listed in the document). As with the letter from the CMO, your constituent can check the cohort list in the UK-wide policy document, and contact their consultant if they have any queries.

[JJ_7]

Thanks for this information Breatheasy. The very helpful links to NHS site in your post do not work.....at least for me. Good to know thatI can have thesee meds if needed

[BreatheasyBe in reply to JJ_7]

Hi I’ve posted the link in a new post

[LizPat30]

Thank you so much for all this info, I don't know if I'm clearer or not! But as a bronchiectasis and asthma patient if my avoidance tactics fail and I do catch Covid, knowing this info I'll contact my consultant and ask if I should have the additional medication. So I really appreciate this help. Jo

[BionicLady]

My Bronchiectasis consultant said I do not come under the criteria for it, only Immunosuppressed patients. He sent me a link for the Panoramic trial.

[Yeo58]

I have received this email for antiviral trial. I checked eligibility, and copd is included

[Yeo58]

It’s also worth noting, there are two different treatments available for home treatment. The antiviral and another treatment for immunosuppressed. The antiviral trial includes copd as qualifying condition but not the immunosuppressed treatment. It is on the .gov website. Admittedly it is very confusing, I only understood the difference with my daughters help!

[BreatheasyBe in reply to Yeo58]

The study doesn’t guarantee that you’ll get the antivirals “Those consenting to be part of the study will be randomly selected to either be in a group who receives a course of an antiviral treatment, or a group that doesn’t.”

[Yeo58 in reply to BreatheasyBe]

Yes this is the case but it’s not a ‘blind’ trial, you will know if not selected by just receiving a booklet, presumably advising what to do if very unwell?? It is a bit hit and miss!