Apologies for yet another COVID related query, but I'm trying to get my head straight about this.
My primary diagnosis is Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease/Polymyositis, but I have a history of Insterstitial Lung Disease and brochiectasis. This made me one of the ECVs. As I am on only low dose steroids and hydroxychloroquine, I'm not considered immune-suppressed, so don't qualify for a Spring booster.
Is there any way of knowing whether I am eligible for the anti-viral treatments ahead of time? Or do I have to ring 111, or my GP, or the Rheumatology helpline to find out once I test positive?
Thanks x
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whisperit
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Hi, I am CEV and received a letter from the NHS along with a covid test kit at Christmas. The letter said that due to my health problems I may be eligible for anti viral treatment if I had a positive PCR test. In the event of that happening the letter stated that the NHS would contact me. I had the information repeated in an email last week. So far I have manged not to contract the virus so haven't been in that system. Your GP may be able to advise you.
Hi.One of the criteria states immunocompromised but I got my dad to contact the hub when he tested positive a few weeks ago. Although he was never on the shielding list he does have issues with his lungs and previous prostate cancer (4yrs ago).
After hearing this they assessed that he could get the antivirals which he received at the hospital the following day with very good effect. My rheumatologist gave me a phone number to call (I'm in Scotland) should I become covid positive but if I remember correctly you are in Wales so I'm not sure if you have a direct number
Yeah but don't ask me to remember what I had to eat 2 days ago 😁. Would it be helpful if I send you the number I have and maybe they will be able to advise you further?
Hi Carol, I too have been wondering about this and I noticed that you are in Scotland as I am and that you have a phone number to contact should you test positive. I am CEV and am terrified now that most if the restrictions are gone. I will obviously be still wearing masks, testing etc but, would it be possible for you to forward the phone number to me. It would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks, stay well.Maggie.
I am (should) be eligible on rheum grounds, although still haven’t actually received a letter or anything in writing. At the point I test positive on lateral flow and report the result, I’ve now been told I then contact 119 and they’ll sort it all out. I hope I don’t have to find out if they will or not, but have come to the conclusion that short of staying in the house, it’s likely a matter of when not if. The criteria for antivirals are pretty specific across all conditions, as is the pathway for choosing which treatment would be appropriate - this is the current NHS England guidance document, which details who is eligible and the pathway to follow:
However, the guidance from the JCVI does also say that in patients with multiple conditions, that clinical judgement should be applied as to whether they should receive antivirals in light of comorbidities rather than on the basis of a single health condition. I’ve attached a photo of the current BSR (British Society of Rheumatology) guidance on which patients are automatically entitled for quick reference, but the link above covers the full list and criteria. It essentially includes the half a million or so patients that were advised they require a third primary vaccination (NOT a booster) due to a risk of not having mounted a good immune response to the first two doses, in addition to rare neurological conditions, chronic kidney, and severe liver disease.
For those with any condition that don’t meet the criteria, and where clinical judgement dictates an exception doesn’t need to be made, then there is the possibility of accessing antivirals via the PANORAMIC trial that’s currently running. I’m not sure how that works, but if you google it, it’ll come up.
BSR guidance on automatic antiviral eligibility for rheumatology patients
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