Covid

[Robert1220]

I have been invited to a huge family gathering in August in memory of my cousin who passed with Covid. There will be upwards of 100 people there. As I have Stage 4 NASH/Cirrhosis, should I attend? I am compensated at the moment and do not want to tmrisk it becoming decompensated. I would appreciate any advice as I'm very torn about attending. Also, should I have any further boosters etc as I have this condition? Thanks in anticipation xx.

[Richard-Allen]

Hello Robert,

I think an element of common sense is called for here Robert. I understand that some people may feel weird still wearing a face covering, but the Covid virus is still out there and very much alive. So those of us who are still vulnerable need to take extra care and follow the old government guidelines.

Having to wear a mask shouldn’t make you feel odd. If anything, it shows that you value your health and don’t want to risk catching covid for the sake of vanity. I still wear my mask in supermarkets and in crowded places. If anyone has an issue, then that is their problem, not yours.

Stay safe, and be comfortable with yourself. Common sense must prevail.

[Robert1220 in reply to Richard-Allen]

Thank you. I shall wear a mask if I decide to go.

[AyrshireK]

My hubby has compensated cirrhosis and has only had his first two primary jabs plus the Winter booster - he didn't seem to fall into the category for third primary dose or spring boosters & has never been invited for one. (There are members of the AIH Facebook group who have had 5 covid jabs). Hubby was however called into his GP surgery last week for a pneumonia jab (he had his last one in 2014).

The criteria for the spring booster was:-

Who is being offered a spring booster?

COVID-19 is more serious in older people and those with a weakened immune system. Protection from the vaccine may be lower and may decline more quickly in these people. For this reason people aged 75 years and over, those in care homes and those aged 12 years and over with a weakened immune system are being offered the spring booster.

Although vaccines are expected to provide good protection against severe COVID-19 disease, protection against mild infection with the Omicron variant seems to decline quickly, even after the booster dose.

This spring booster is being offered as a precaution to those at extremely high risk, most of whom received their first booster around 6 months ago. If the number of infections increases over the summer, this booster should help to reduce your risk of being admitted to hospital with COVID-19.

People with a severely weakened immune system

People with a severely weakened immune system include those who had or have:

a blood cancer (such as leukaemia or lymphoma)

a weakened immune system due to a treatment (such as steroid medicine, biological therapy, chemotherapy or radiotherapy)

an organ or bone marrow transplant

a condition that means you have a very high risk of getting infections

a condition or treatment your specialist advises makes you eligible for an additional primary dose

On the rare occasion that we go out in public places we are still wearing our masks and I was certainly wearing mine when working closely with children in my workshops just to avoid bringing it home to hubby.

I am sure that as it's an occasion to commemorate someone who actually died of covid people will be understanding if you take all precautions to protect yourself at the event since having liver disease does make you more vulnerable.

Katie

[Robert1220 in reply to AyrshireK]

Thank you Kate. It seems that Covid is on the rise again and I have lost 2 cousins with unknown underlying conditions that makes me hesitate to go. I think I will probably give it a miss as my GP said that I have to be mindful of the illness that I have and to be careful but to try and find a balance in life. I'm going to err on the side of caution and just stick to a small group of friends. Thank you again Kate.

[Livaa]

Do you have to use public transportation to get there? Does the meeting place have outdoor space or plenty of room? Things I’ve considered when trying to make similar choices. Sorry about the loss of your family member, And I wish youimrpvd health every day!

[Rumpleblack]

Robert…Robert! I can tell you are a very caring person. I too lost my cousin and wanted to go to the service. After assessing the Covid. Numbers and speaking to his older sister I made the decision not to go. It was an emotional but the right decision. I also have compensated stage 4,can you believe the similarities! That is why I felt compelled to respond to you. The anxiety I would have felt before and after the gathering…waiting and wondering… if somehow I was exposed in itself wouldn’t have been good for me. I felt sad not going . We need to be our own caretakers. The people who love us will understand and if some don’t🤷‍♀️. Be strong! Carol

[Robert1220 in reply to Rumpleblack]

Thank you Carol. It's great having advice from someone in the same boat as me. Thanks again. Best wishes from Elaine x.