Emergency Steroids

[Jolu29]

I am worried that I don't have a emergency steroid script, has everyone else got this ready if you get the corovirus. I always need couple weeks of steroids with my chest infections and have had pneonomia few years ago was in hospital. Last time I saw the asthma nurse she was seeing me every 2 weeks now I'm recovered I'm not due to see her for a while. When I asked about spare steroids she said she would like to see me now that's not going to be possible if I get the virus. I work at a primary school as a TA.

[Poobah]

It's not unusual for the asthma plan to include emergency packs of steroids and antibiotics.

You won't get a face to face appointment due to the pandemic but you should be able to book a telephone appointment with your GP. If they think it's reasonable they will prescribe you any emergency treatment they see fit. I would bypass the asthma nurse on this one as they can't prescribe.

Doing that now before things get really busy is probably best.

All the best and I hope you stay safe and well.

[hilary39 in reply to Poobah]

Totally agree, was going to say the same. I always have a course of prednisone on hand in case of emergency. It's true it can worsen the symptoms of coronavirus but it's also dangerous to be an active asthma flare. Double, triple check with a GP via telemedicine if you can. Good luck!!

[millymumpkin]

It would be so nice to have concrete advice for asthmatics as steroids can make Covid 19 worse - sub-types of asthma are so different & it's hard to find good information. Asthma UK only says use your preventer meticulously, but I don't have the luxury of a preventer as my sub-type only responds to prednisolone. Make sure you have plenty ot ventolin, atrovent or whatever your rescue inhaler is. Ask advice from your doctor on steroids. This is quite an unknown and scary time without hard facts

[Jolu29]

Thanks everyone, I'm on steroids at the moment got emergency antibiotics aswell as have had sore throat and bad chest thought I had the virus, the gp was really nice considering how busy they are at the moment, cough and high temperature seem to be the main symptoms. Still been told to self isolate just incase.