Do I need to self isolate?

[Asarahjohnson]

Self isolation

My diagnosis is undifferentiated connective tissue disorder, likely SLE. I have low counts, neutropenia and lymphopenia and have an annual flu jab. I have been recently quite well so am on a medication holiday so not on immunosuppressants. Do I self isolate?

Thanks

[Melba1]

Yes! With neutropenia you won’t be able to fight things so well. Better to be safe x

[panda2]

Yes! Yes! I have been neutropenic in the past and got sepsis. You are extremely prone to infection and this infection is not any infection. You can get it everywhere!

You might even fit in the group that needs to be extra sheltered. I would think neutropenia would trump the fact that you're not on immunosuppressants.

Panda x

[Asarahjohnson in reply to panda2]

It’s quite mild though - you know just typical lupus low counts

[Asarahjohnson]

My employer is disregarding the advice of lupus uk as lupus isn’t specifically mentioned on the government Coronavirus list of conditions.

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to Asarahjohnson]

Hi Asarahjohnson ,

That is incredibly callous and irresponsible of them. Lupus isn't specifically listed but neither are many other serious health conditions - the list is not, and can not be exhaustive. This is the same as the annual flu campaign which people with lupus are included in.

If you have neutropenia then you have a weakened immune system - this is covered under;

"a weakened immune system as the result of conditions such as HIV and AIDS, or medicines such as steroid tablets or chemotherapy"

gov.uk/government/publicati...

[Asarahjohnson in reply to Paul_Howard]

Thanks Paul. It’s mild neutropenia and lymphopenia, typical lupus bloods really. I wonder if the charity can contact the DOH about that. asthma uk isn’t saying that their patients need to self isolate.

[Hidden in reply to Asarahjohnson]

Isn’t shortness of breathe one of the problems with Covid19? I would think that asthma would definitely qualify you (you did mention having asthma?) If you happened to get this because of your UCTD and have asthma as well, you’d get a double whammy of problems!

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to Asarahjohnson]

We've been in touch with Alex Sobel MP and asked him to table a question to parliament for greater clarity on guidance for autoimmune rheumatic diseases. He has agreed to do this and so we'll wait for a response.

[Asarahjohnson in reply to Paul_Howard]

Thanks so much

[Asarahjohnson]

My employer is the nhs

[Foggyme in reply to Asarahjohnson]

Oh no...that’s shocking! So sorry. xx

[baba in reply to Foggyme]

That's how the NHS value their staff.

[Foggyme in reply to baba]

Yes...I used to be NHS staff...and have experienced their particular kind of ‘care' to! 😖 x