I am currently not on any medication and have been given the government guidelines to assess whether I am able to return to my current post as a secondary school teacher or whether I should continue working from home for a medical reason. I am currently not on medication and haven’t had a flare in a good few months and therefore from reading the guidance I am assuming I can go back to my usual post as long as PPE provided. From the different sections of those covered Behçet’s isn’t covered and the list it seems to only specify people who are on immunosuppressants. Anyone In The same boat? Last time I spoke to my consultant the advice was follow government guidelines but obviously I don’t want to say I can’t go on medical grounds if that isn’t in the guidelines advice. I not required to shield at this time .
Thanks
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wednesday1
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I would recommend that you consult whoever is effectively ‘coordinating’ your treatment for advice; this may be your GP or a specialist clinician (basically who has the better complete overview which might not, for example, be a GP if you see a different person each time you visit your local GP practice).
Clinical views do vary, where Behçet's (and indeed many other conditions) is concerned, and as more medical evidence becomes available, which will be dependent on a number of factors, some of which you have mentioned. We have tried to reflect this in our overall guidance from official sources, which I recommend you review.
(see Pinned Posts to the lower right of this screen). Consensus appears to be that, as a minimum, you would fall into the Vulnerable People category, but it is for your clinician(s) to state this, not me.
You are correct in reflecting the proviso of ensuring a safe working environment, which may or may not depend on PPE depending on the specific situation, but certainly appropriate safe distancing as a minimum, additional ventilation in confined spaces, appropriate hygiene regimes everywhere (toilets etc) and so forth. Schools are making strenuous efforts to achieve this, which is not easy for them of course.
The British Standards Institute (BSI) has prepared best practice guidance, building on formal guidance issued by UK Government to safeguard individuals who need to go back to work, but remain in the Vulnerable People category. See bsigroup.com/en-GB/topics/n...
We will be adding this link to our guidance shortly. There is a lot in it, but Paragraphs 4.4, 4.4.1 (particularly), 4.5, 4.6 and 4.7 offer very practical advice that employers should follow.
In conclusion, ultimately it needs to be your treating clinician, in conjunction with yourself, to decide what is most appropriate for you.
You should then discuss this outcome with the Head Teacher, and come to an appropriate agreement. I hope this helps.
and just to emphasise "Last time I spoke to my consultant the advice was follow government guidelines" ... isn't sufficient.
Your consultant must take a view, and General Medical Practice protocols demand this from registered clinicians. gmc-uk.org/ethical-guidance...
4. You must use your judgement in applying the principles to the various situations you will face as a doctor, whether or not you hold a licence to practise, whatever field of medicine you work in, and whether or not you routinely see patients. You must be prepared to explain and justify your decisions and actions.
It is not easy for them, I certainly don't envy them and, barring very rare exceptions, they do an absolutely marvellous job, in resource and manpower-constrained conditions (inevitably).
My understanding is that if you have an underlying medical condition which you do then with a medical certificate from you GP you would present this to your school for consideration.
It would be to my understanding a conversation between you and your school on whether you are on paid leave or leave without pay.
There’s a rheumatology specific document that GPS weren’t sent that says that Behcets is high risk. Apparently because B causes the body to over react to illnesses, we are more likely to become septic.
In a normal person C19 causes horrific issues. Can’t imagine what it would do to us.
How old are you? I guess if you’re young your age protects you.
So it’s a risk but up to you I guess. Have you asked a COE?
Through my personal experiences of being on and off immunosuppressants- and research- I feel it is a 50-50.
If I was on the meds right now- I would be terrified. I remember catching my first cold in years, from my boyfriend, a month into my meds- when I kissed him by accident on day seven of his head cold. I instantly caught it. I never had colds or flu growing up- always on the end of more extreme medical things like meningitis-sepsis etc.
Being off the meds- I for sure have a higher confidence in my immune system bc we do “over react” to pathogens. But where that line draws for the system to stop acting as a protector then to cross into self sabotage- there is no real answer. One must assess themselves.
I caught the flu last year. Had zero idea and only figured it out when my friend was also positive and it was because we shared a glass. (I legit 99% do not share things but was drunk and I was like “are you sick and he said no 🤣) No fever. No aches. Nothing. I woke up with a sinus infection and honestly only wanted a doctors note to miss work bc I had a few sick days to use ( we have a use it or lose it policy) and when I went I tested positive for the flu. I was flabbergasted. I did not have the vaccine at the time either. It didn’t cause a flare. I felt fine.
In current situation, everyone seems to be affected differently- they only factor that has been agreed upon is the fact of underlying conditions like obesity, diabetes etc more so lifestyle factors will be the make or break factor. I saw mixed research about having lung compromise whether or not that would make you more at risk for severe symptoms. As someone who has lung involvement with behcets, I went with the “not worried about it” outlook.
I treat everyday like I was still on my meds. I wipe my phone down daily. I don’t touch my face unless my hands are freshly washed. I wash my hands before eating. I wash my hands upon entering my house.
I’ve been working everyday through the pandemic. Covid swept through my work, people for sure had it and weren’t wearing masks at the time. I haven’t been affected in the slightest.
So I say- assess yourself. Practice good hygiene. Keep your distance like the flu. Stay calm. Hope this helps.
Thank you for all of your replies it’s much appreciated. My consultant has advised me that since I’m not on medication and haven’t been for a good while I am able to go to work providing social distancing is strict. I teach secondary school children so I’m hoping the rules implemented can and will be followed as strictly as they can be. If they aren’t I plan to have another discussion with my headteacher on moving forward and working strictly from home again. They are hoping to have us in shifts so the time physically in work should be limited too which is a positive thing. Hope you are all keeping well, thanks again.
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To go sick or not to go sick ...that is the question ?
Anyone going to the conference?
Coronavirus / COVID-19 + Bechets
Shall we INFORM THE WORLD?
