COVID-19 Treatments for Higher Risk Individuals - UPDATED 15/02/2022

[Paul_Howard]

Hi everyone,

I have updated our website article about the COVID-19 treatments for those who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 infection. lupusuk.org.uk/covid-19-tre...

There have been a couple of important changes:

1.Lateral flow tests are now accepted as confirmation of COVID-19 infection

This development means that, if you experience symptoms of COVID-19, you can potentially access the treatments quicker. To be effective, these treatments must be started as soon as possible after infection (within 5 days typically). By accepting lateral flow test results this will reduce the delay by 24-48 hours. This especially good news for people who have not received priority PCR tests after being identified as eligible for the treatments.

It is still advised to have a PCR test if you have symptoms of COVID-19 because lateral flow tests are not as accurate as PCR tests.

2.Nirmatrelvir and ritonavir (Paxlovid) has been added as a first-line COVID-19 treatment

In many cases, Paxlovid will be offered instead of the antibody infusion, sotrovimab. Paxlovid is an oral treatment meaning that it can be taken without having to attend a hospital. However, it is important to note that Paxlovid has several contraindications with prescribed, over-the-counter and complementary treatments. It is therefore very important that, when being assessed for treatment by a COVID-19 Medicines Delivery Unit (CMDU), a person discloses ALL medications/treatments they are taking. It may be helpful to have a list prepared ahead of the assessment.

If you have any questions about these changes, or want to share your experiences in accessing these treatments, please comment below.

[Cathyan]

Thanks Paul this is extremely helpful to hear

[svfarmer]

Thanks Paul x

[loopy-lou]

Thank you so much Paul

[ijeasike]

Thanks Paul

[BeeManShrop]

Thanks Paul Good news re LFT positive . However, should a positive LFT happen -- then what do we do? Do we contact our GP (easier said than done!!!) OR 911 - have you tried to contact 911 lately? - We rang to ask for a PCR pack last week, as directed by the consultants letter. You are faced with about 6 different menus all of which have about 4 choices that you have to listen to them all before making your selection. The last menu had 6 choices before making a selection -- could not remember the first couple when the time came. Horrendous. When we eventually reached a person to speak to they could send a PCR but it would not be a priority one. It is a good thing that an LFT will now suffice.

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to BeeManShrop]

Hi BeeManShrop ,

According to NHS Digital, if you report your LFT result online - gov.uk/report-covid19-result - you should automatically be contacted by a COVID-19 Medicines Delivery Unit (CMDU) if you have been flagged as one of the at-risk groups. This should happen within 24 hours of your test result being reported.

If you are not contacted in 24 hours then it is advised that you should contact your GP (if possible) or 111 (not 119). They should then be able to refer you to a CMDU.

[BeeManShrop in reply to Paul_Howard]

Many thanks Paul, Is there any way we can confirm that my wife is "flagged" on the NHS system as CEV? We have had two letters from our rheumatology dept., the first saying my wife should have 3 X primary jabs plus a 4th booster, the second stating we should have a PCR kit at home ready in case of a positive test. Oddly, we have never been contacted directly by NHS centrally. We had to ask for the third primary and booster by showing the consultants letter to the vaccination centre and we were not sent a priority PCR kit from NHS centrally. It seems that the hospital are satisfied the CEV status is applicable but NHS centre/system does not seem to have a record. It therefore follows that should the worst happen, re a positive test, the CMDU are unlikely to contact us. It looks like we will have to wait 24 hours and then contact our GP. Thanks again.

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to BeeManShrop]

Hi BeeManShrop ,

I'm not aware of a way to check this I'm afraid - you'd probably need to check with your GP/Consultant. I don't think there is a flag for 'CEV' anymore after shielding guidance was stopped. Instead it is a collection of codes based on risk factors such as diagnosis and treatments.

If your wife did have a positive test, I don't expect there would be any harm in immediately contacting GP or 111 to request an urgent referral to a CMDU.

[Poshcards]

Thanks Paul, still battling to be recognised by GP x

[KnitSewPurl]

Thk You Paul, it is something worth knowing I have been very fortunate with my family we have been very careful all of us so far have been Covid free since the Pandemic. We are very thankful to the Lord for that. However we continue to mask up and continue to protect ourselves as usual with anti bacterial. Thanks again.

[RosieA]

Hi Paul. Might I just point out that your link for those who is eligible for the antivirals isn't working. Could you re post it? Many thanks if this is possible.

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to RosieA]

Hi RosieA . Thank you for pointing this out. They updated the interim Clinical Commissioning Policy and so the link changed. I've now updated it in the article - the link should be england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/...

[RosieA in reply to Paul_Howard]

Thank you Paul. I have managed to confirm eligibility. Some of the government sites are like wading through treacle, so very grateful for the link. Kind wishes.

[Willow1414]

Thank you Paul , this is most helpful advise

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