Just when it's now safe to go out, a note of caution.

[Richard-Allen]

I first posted this up two years ago as a timely reminder.

All those who have received a liver transplant (like myself) or who have a suppressed immune system will know how important skin protection is at this time of year. It can feel like we are having to doubly protect ourselves. Having got through the COVID pandemic. We can finally go out, only to remember that direct sunlight is also our enemy.

(This is not an advertisement), but being fair-skinned, I use a factor 50+ sun lotion. The met office issues daily updated warnings on their website of the UV levels for that day and is a good source of information: metoffice.gov.uk/public/wea...

The Met Office site does say that the UV index does not exceed 8 in the UK (8 is rare; 7 may occur on exceptional days) but today down in the southeast (17 May 22) the map of the UK is showing one area where it is expected to be a 7.

By June/July an 8 or high may become more widespread. So extreme care will be needed. Those escaping abroad will need to be especially cautious.

The NHS has a lot of good information about this: nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-h...

Just yet another reminder for us to stay safe and enjoy the summer

[Shaunwood]

Richard have u had your booster if so did you have to wait for a letter I have had a liver transplant 4yrs 13th May and was wondering how to get the booster

[Richard-Allen in reply to Shaunwood]

No I haven't Shaunwood,

I’ve been a stubborn old git I’m afraid.

I had the first vaccine and then the second dose some six months later. Before I decided to have the third dose I wanted to know if I had produced any Covid antibodies. My thinking was that if the first one hadn’t and neither had the second one, then why have a third one if the previous two hadn’t worked. I couldn't have a test done as these were reserved for NHS staff and those people taking part in Covid trials.

It's been over two years now and just being careful. I’ve not contracted any form of Covid. Touchwood.

On a small note, I too had my transplant carried out at the QE back in 2016. I’ve not been back there for two years nor had any blood tests for 18-months.

But need to go to the QE again soon for a non-liver related surgery procedure.

[PeterP54 in reply to Shaunwood]

Did you not get invited to have a third or fourth dose? I got an invite for the 3rd with no hassel but seemed to have to wait for the fourth but it came eventually. I think it may have saved me from covid. Back in March (after 4th dose) my wife got covid. Before she tested positive, I was woken up in the night with her coughing in my face from a few inches. She tested positive in the morning, I didn't and had no symptoms or positive test until she tested negative again. I also took part in the Melody health study at Imperial. There's a questionnaire and if selected you get sent an antibody test (pretty much like a lateral flow test, except the sample to be tested is blood from a finger prick). I tested positive for antibodies. You can find the study with a simple search for "Melody Study Imperial.ac.uk".

[Shaunwood in reply to PeterP54]

Thanks Peter did you get a letter seems like I've been 4gotten it's been over 6mths I've phoned drs a few times keep telling me they haven't received the vaccine so I'm still waiting will have a look at melody study

[PeterP54 in reply to Shaunwood]

Hi. Yes I got a letter from Leeds (my transplant centre) in February. Suggest you contact your transplant centre.

[Shaunwood in reply to PeterP54]

Thanks will give them a call

[utep99]

absolutely critical use soap a lot to avoid any covid.