Hypertension age61 and working with young children

[2bFabnfit]

I work in an infant school that remains open for children of critical workers. I am aged 61and am on Ramipril for hypertension. The environment is to be honest, a petre dish. The children are aged 4 to 7years old and don't do social distancing. I am the main first aider, which means I have to get close to the children who need injuries seen to, and who need help following toilet accidents or indeed become symptomatic with fever/cough. My working hours have been reduced to a day and a half per week.

I cannot get clear advice re continuing to put myself at risk of covid19, with my increased risk of hospitalization. Help/advice please.

[Happyrosie]

My personal view is that we hypertensives, if controlled and no other issues, are no more at risk than the general population. It would be a strange school in which all teachers, teaching assistants, dinner ladies and so on were perfectly healthy with no medical issues. But if you are uncomfortable you need a chat with your line manager.

[Hidden]

I do sympathise with your position, clearly in essential work. However the issue here is protecting yourself while working with young children. You should make sure that you are being as safely as you can in the circumstances. Your management should be able to give support. The fact that you are on Ramipril for hypertension does not actually have any bearing on the current situation. Right now it's my anxiety state that is more of a problem than my 7.5 mg of Ramipril. Best wishes. Stay safe.

[2bFabnfit in reply to Hidden]

Agreed the anxiety won't help the bp! I have been in intensive cbt for trauma related to San accident at work. This is on top but now my therapy is cancelled..... I am going to shut myself away as much as poss.

[jsamess]

I would make today your last day at work . Think about yourself and your family . Good Luck , James

[Oldgreyhead]

I understand your position. I am a key worker (secretary in hospital) and I am worried sick. I am on ramipril and amlodipine. I am 38 with a young family. My work is not busy (all elective stuff cancelled) but they want me to return to work and send my kids to school. I am very anxious and panicked.

[2bFabnfit in reply to Oldgreyhead]

It's a tough situation... I am sure docs and nurses have pre existing conditions too.... I do think they have a duty to safeguard us. I really don't mind working. I want to do my bit, but there must be a different role,..redeploy to a less risky role....

[Oldgreyhead]

Absolutely agree with you. I just think there must be something I can do rather than sit in a stuffy office with 3 others and countless medics coming in and out. Don’t know how long my anxiety can take it. Petrified of catching it.