AIH first winter

[Jumbo1313]

Wanting to ask other AIH sufferers that are taking immune suppressant drugs if I m too carful with wearing a mask Into shops and not socialise Indoors (Pub) in winter with all those either Covid or Flu cases. How vulnerable are we? I m on prednisolone and Mercaptopurine thanks

[AyrshireK]

You do what makes YOU feel safe, if that's wearing a mask and keeping socially distanced then that's fine. Being on immune suppressants technically doesn't mean you are more at risk than others - your immune suppressants are designed to tamp down your immune system to a more normal level rather than the situation when the AIH is raging and your immune system is in hyper drive. You arn't immune compromised like say someone on chemo who's immune system has been knocked out all together.

If you are vaccinated you may not have made the full amount of immune response but then again the disease has mutated out of all recognition so none of the vaccines are all that effective other than in 'potentially' stopping us becoming seriously poorly or dying from Covid.

As in another thread there comes a point where you have to get on with life even though covid is still circulating .......... it isn't like it was earlier on and most people (even those with AIH) seem to have nothing more than a heavy cold when they've had it. If you join the AIH Support Group on Facebook you'll find many, many examples of folks with AIH who actually had a lesser illness when they had it compared to loved ones in the same household who suffered badly. In a lot of cases with covid it was peoples immune systems getting triggered into an excessive response that actually killed them - cytokine storm they called it.

AIH Facebook page is at:- facebook.com/groups/AIHorgUK

British Liver Trust up to date guidance on covid for liver patients is at:- britishlivertrust.org.uk/co...

Katie

[kensimmons in reply to AyrshireK]

Great post Katie. I asked a doctor (not my regular one) why I should take the COVID shot, he said to both protect against the specific virus of covid and also to "up" my immunity system. I asked him since I have psoriasis and my immunity is already in hyperdrive couldnt I get a psoriasis flare. He admited that it was an excellent question and that he had never even thought about it but would consult with others get back to me. I just said "ah, the heck with it" and took the shot (when Covid was raging, better safe than sorry I figured) and I was fine (and I did end up getting it about a year later with essentially no symptoms but a one day minor cough),

[Buddythezhu]

I’m on Budesinide and Mycophenolate, to be honest I carry on as normal, my consultant told me not to hide away., just be careful. I think hygiene is more important than mask wearing. But wear a mask if it makes you more comfortable.

[Mcd04]

I am with previous comments , take it at your own pace. I don’t restrict myself to anywhere and don’t wear a mask. Life has to move on, there were viruses before covid and always will be but we can’t live life wrapped in cotton wool, does more harm than good.

[Readlots]

I’m doing the same as you Jumbo. I still mask and I don’t socialise indoors. It’s kept me safe so far so I’m sticking with it. It’s a balancing act between what makes you happy and what keeps you safe. I think there’s a bit of an introvert / extrovert divide in responses to other threads on the same question. I’m quite introverted, never a party animal even pre Covid, so not socialising indoors for the winter is fine. Some of my extroverted friends found lockdown really hard and would rather take the risk of getting Covid than miss out on a social opportunity. There’s a whole spectrum in between. But you’re not alone.

[Caravan149]

Hi I was diagnosed with Aih about 4 years ago and have cirrhosis. I am on immuno suppressants I am very fortunate I have a really great consultant and I have talked to him many times about Covid and my chances of becoming really unwell.

I work in a warehouse and work with hundreds of people every day. I still constantly sanitise my hands but I don’t wear a mask and have pretty much returned to normal life .

I have however on Saturday morning tested positive for Covid 19. It’s horrible but I have had worse flu as a well man. Today day 3 I am feeling much better and am working from home . I am fully vaccinated.

I was a little concerned when I saw the faint red line confirming I had got it but thankfully it’s no worse than a bad cold.

I am entitled to antiviral drugs and have just spoken with a doctor from the coronavirus medical delivery team and agreed I don’t need them.

The point I am trying to make is that for the first 2 years of Covid I wrapped my self up in cotton wool . But then made a choice to return to normal life which I have done and thankfully still ok even with covid . Life is too short it’s your choice but I’ve decided to live it.

I hope this helps