Covid Antivirals

[PW_R]

I know some people are eligible for these. I’ve been exposed to covid and I’m pretty sure I’m about to get it, ironically for the first time also.

I don’t have copd but fairly full on chronic bronchitis. I’m concerned that it’l be a rough dose . Whats the criteria for getting antivirals for covid?

[peege]

Sorry to hear it, unfortunately to qualify for anti-virals we have to be immunosupressed. I hope you don't succumb but if you do that its not too bad. (ps chronic bronchitis and emphysema both come under the umbrella term of COPD in UK). Good luck

[Bevvy]

To be honest I don’t think guidelines are that clear. I tested positive for Covid in December and first I knew about it was when a hospital rang me and said I was entitled to antivirals. I had (wrongly) assumed I wouldn’t be eligible.

I think the key thing is as soon as you have a positive test (LFT) is to contact 111 and speak to them. Ideally a PCR test which would go directly to be formally tested rather the LFT. The lab/hospital would then contact you directly if positive and eligible for antivirals. Although am fully aware getting a PCR test can be difficult.

However I would also say that just because you have been in contact with someone who has Covid doesn’t mean you will necessarily contract it yourself. One of the strange facets of Covid is its unpredictability. I know of many cases where only one person has contracted Covid and the rest of household hasn’t.

[CDPO16]

Hi, good replies from peege and Bevvy. I was sent a letter about anti virals and a PCR test to send straight away if I get a positive lateral flow test. So far I have tested negative when I was suspicious. I hope you don't contract the virus.

[Cloudancer]

Great replies from above posts.Like cdpo16 I was sent a letter about anti Virals plus a PCR test.

When I got it I was rung by a Doctor but didn't qualify because it was too late after several days.

However I was offered daily monitoring at home and despite a hospital admission did well.

Hope that you stay well - do contact your respiratory team /GP should you start to feel unwell.

[_9carole]

I had covid last year. Having Severe COPD thought I would have had these drugs . But said I didn't qualify. Then this year sent me some new covid tests that I might qualify for new drugs. So I am confused!!! Hope you find out for sure.

[PaulineHM]

Hoping like others that you don’t get the virus..I have been in contact with others over the months who has tested +ve days afterwards and not been infected my self yet! Phew!

Thanks also to all the other responders re antivirals. I did have a letter last autumn about the availability of antivirals should I get Covid, although that was so long ago I had forgotten about that offer… so happy reminder thanks everyone.

Keep well.

Pauline

[Annscottie]

I have severe COPD and bronchiectasis and was recently diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis so now on immunosuppressants. Without asking I have received a letter and PCR tests in the post with instructions on how to send results and to get antivirals if the test is positive. I presume the RA has triggered this action and not the serious respiratory illness!

All the best PW_R. I hope you escape the virus.

[Izb1]

Strange how these things are looked at. When this all broke out I wasn't classified as being vulnerable and couldn't get deliveries etc and although my circumstances haven't changed and my r.a. and bronchiectasis remain the same I have been sent a letter giving details who to contact should I get covid along with a testing box. It stated in the letter that they wont accept results from any other tests than the one sent which has a code on the box. I do wonder if its all a bit of a hooha as most of the time when we realise we have covid it is usually too late for antivirals. I hope you haven't got covid and if you have its a mild form that is no worse than a cold x

[Annscottie in reply to Izb1]

Sounds the same letter as I had. I also noticed the 'use by' date on the tests was Jan '24. Maybe they've just had loads of spares hanging around they need to get rid of 😂

[Sohmui in reply to Annscottie]

this made me smile. My free tests also expire in January 2024.

[ks1966]

Hello. I think the first step is to upload your LFT result on this page

gov.uk/report-covid19-result

Then a member of team called CMDU (Covid medical delivery unit) will get in touch you. They have centres around the regions

Asthma and being on predispose definitely qualify you for the antivirals. You can also call 111 and wait for who responds first. Best of luck

[knitter in reply to ks1966]

I had an email last week , saying I had to contact health professional myself if I have a positive Covid result .

[SuziElley]

I was contacted by NHS after having had 4 courses of steroids and three different antibiotics within about six weeks. I was told I had to contact them as soon as I tested positive for Covid and they would send antivirals. Maybe talk to your doctor? I think you’ll find our immune system has to be compromised to qualify.

[PW_R]

thanks all for your input. Very useful.

[Mavary]

Hi! I had Covid a couple of months ago and did feel pretty poorly with it but because I’m up to date with my vaccines I’ve got over it with no ill effects. I’ve got lung problems and to be honest it didn’t affect it. I wouldn’t like to get it again but I don’t think there’s any way you can avoid it. It was a first time for me. I had shingles with mine that didn’t exactly help. But hey I’m ok now.

[Morrison10]

Thanks for interesting posts. Although always on antibiotics, not had any letter telling what to do if test positive for Covid. Perhaps it’s because of age and rare condition, lot of doctors etc don’t understand it! Best wishes Jean x

[Homely2]

I had covid, but had no letter re anti viral, but seemed to qualify, so rang up. I was told to contact my consultant, tried this, was rung up by consultants secretary, thoroughly told off by her as she said all queries should go via gp. Gp reception said it was a hospital issue, so I gave up.

I would have gone to my asthma nurse but she works part of the week.

Now over covid and have just had a letter saying I qualify for antivirals etc.

So lesson is, if you want anti virals make sure you are properly registered for it, before you get covid.

[hainsy52]

Hi, I tested positive for Covid 10 days ago,I have eosinophilic asthma and am steroid dependent and am on biological treatment.I phoned 111 for advice as I had a fever with temperature of 39 ,they told me to ring 119 because they thought I would be eligible for antiviral treatment.After speaking to them I was booked in the next day for the infusion which took about an hour,hopefully it stops me having breathing problems.After 10 days the only problems I seem to have are very achy muscles and very fatigued but hopefully this will improve in time