Strict social distancing or high risk

[KJ48]

Bit confused on this. According to the NHS I am on the list for stricter social distancing but had a high risk text from gp? I am on symbicort 200/6 2×2 but that does not seem to be high enough for high risk according to nhs? Asthma well under control and I can exercise without problems. I am on spiriva which might be the difference - could not see that drug on the nhs list? Thinking I might need extra strict social distancing or slightly less strict shielding! Anybody else in that situation? Just don't feel like one of the most vulnerable! All very confusing.

[WindsweptRissa]

That’s because your spiriva respimat inhaler is tiotropium, which is on the list of qualifying medications

[KJ48 in reply to WindsweptRissa]

Thanks that makes sense. Still seems odd as before I was on that drug i had fairly frequent low level breathing problems but nothing that ever left me feeling in danger - just uncomfortable. I could even do light exercise with those low level breathing problems! Thanks again.

[Wheezycat in reply to KJ48]

This sounds just like I have been since late Iatish last autumn. It has taken forever to sort it, but I do feel overall better than that pervasive low level tiredness and lack of stamina. Unfortunately we never reached the end of sorting this before the Corona virus hit, but for now I will just stay very careful and accept it. I feel decidedly more energetic at home, walking may still be affected. I wonder if it could be that I started taking Omeprazole regularly again.

[Junglechicken]

I’m also in the very surprised camp regarding the fact that I am classed as high risk and should shield. I take Seretide 500 twice a day but I would say however that I just have control (I take my blue inhaler 2-3 times a week).

[Mark-f]

Hi ... I received a text last night telling me to stay at home for 12 weeks .. my asthma is classed as servere .. I’m on continuous oral streroids and have been for 5 years I’m also on monthly biological treatments ...you need to wait . See if you receive a text or letter . If you do not and you feel your a vulnerable or at risk person then you will need to contact your GP or respiratory team ..

[Poobah]

Yes, I'm surprised that I received the text. Have just finished a course of steroids but haven't had any in at least 5 years.

Haven't been admitted to hospital for asthma in decades.

I'm on a cocktail of meds and wonder if they've erred on the side of caution when making the decision.

My dilemma is shopping as no supermarket has capacity to take new delivery customers and there's no apparent system to prioritise the shielding group. My vulnerable hour experience at M&S last week was very civilised and not at all busy, so will go to that this week and then try and make other arrangements. Hopefully by then home deliveries to our group will be sorted.

[Freyfrej]

Hi , I’m in a similar situation, I’m just taking Symbicort 200/6 2 puffs twice a day , does this mean I’m just strict social distancing (this is what I’ve been doing anyway)

x

[KJ48 in reply to Freyfrej]

Yes. Strict social distancing - from my understanding to be in the shielding group you would need to be on double the dose or be on another drug like spiriva or montelukast in addition which you are not. Good luck and take care

[Freyfrej]

Thanks so much for your reply , wishing you all the best in these very difficult times x