MCTD are we more at risk of catching coronovirus?

[BellaC79]

Should any MCTD patients on hydroxychloroquine be following the guidelines/advice for those with pre existing health issues and over 70?

[overnighthearingloss]

This is a new virus and everyone is learning as time progresses.

But what does seem to be true so far is that it is very infectious.

It does sometimes seem to be spread by people who don't display symptoms. It does generally require another person to spread.

So it seems that there is less chance of spread if you are in contact with fewer people. That's why there is talk of isolating and quarantine.

There seems to be general agreement that older people are at more risk. But others of any age with co morbidities have a raised risk.

Regular hand washing reduces the risk of picking up the virus through touch.

Even people with underlying conditions will probably have a more favourable response if they have looked after themselves.

Try to eat well and keep as fit as possible. I know this is often not possible but it will probably improve outcomes.

Its scary to contemplate but if hospitals are overwhelmed we will be more reliant than ever on a greater degree of self care.

In epidemics from earlier times, friends and others from the community often assisted their neighbours.

Lets hope that people work together with this one. That includes not going out and possibly being a spreader if we are the unlucky ones to catch it.

[PMRpro]

In a word - YES.

[Roarah]

HCQ has actually been shown to offer antiviral protection to many viruses

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

but has not yet been fully studied inregards to covid-19. But there is a trial in the works.

clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show...

I think use common sense practices of social distancing( no hand shakes, hugs, kisses, five feet between you and others), wash hands frequently, and do not touch your face. Try to be positive but follow the guidelines your doctor suggests. In addition to these practices studies have proven that exercise and stress reduction( meditation) are proven to significantly reduce catching other viruses like flu and colds.

beckershospitalreview.com/q...

[thestorm]

Hi Bella, I am with PMRpro, and all the good members here, Yes is the written word. Yes to all who replied to you. Keep yourself up, ask questions to your GP or Specialists,. Never believe all that you read on line. Wash up well. Do all that you can to keep yourself and loved ones healthy and healthier. I extend my prayers to you and positive wellness with soft blessings and peace.... thestormy sunshine

[miccika1]

Yes

[Lily77]

Hi BellaC79, I have lupus and absolutely will be following the advice for high risk groups, ie, the over 70s and those with pre existing conditions when they increase further, just as I am following all the current guidelines. In an interview with Kay Birley on Sky News yesterday morning, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer ( I think I have got that right) appeared to suggest that they were about a week to ten days away from telling these groups to stay home/socially isolate. With my very best regards, Lily

[MissusTee]

It is more of a worry if you're on immunosuppressant meds which hydroxychloroquine isn't. It's a DMARD (disease modifying anti rheumatic drug). However we should all be cautious.

[Happy43]

Hi I've spoken to a Rheumatology advice line nurse today as I was due to start Azathioprine this week to see if it would help with flares (I have UCTD).

He advised me that as I have no lung involvement I would not be in the category of underlying health issues and I am 48 so age is not a concern.

He advised me to delay taking it for now and my next appointment which is due on 23rd April will be by telephone as they are stopping face to face consultations. He also mentioned that they are advising people who are already taking immunosuppressants not to stop them.

I do worry how it would still affect me though if I did catch it as I frequently struggle with sinus infections that require antibiotics and I find I often flare after being out in public places (I'm mostly at home these days, maybe once a week I'll venture out!)

I'm making my family wash their hands as soon as they come in from school/work and reminding them not to touch their faces and wash hands as much as possible or use hand sanitiser.

My daughter is going to Barcelona on 27th so am concerned about that also but trying to be rational and stay calm about it all.

I did wonder about the Tesco delivery driver bringing my shopping in yesterday for me, maybe that will need to stop? There are so many concerns I'm sure a lot of people have.

Hope we all stay well and get through this difficult period 😊