Covid

[Sarahze]

It was my understanding that if you had an underlying health condition like Lupus you could be prescribed anti viral medication if you tested positive with COVID.

I contacted my doctor today and he said lupus wasn’t on the list of serious underlying health conditions and that GPs don’t prescribe the anti viral medication it’s available from one of 3 commissioned centres in Manchester and to get access you need to contact 111.

[CarolMcl]

Hi, ii got the antiviral meds due to having lupus and not my lung disease so it's definitely on the list unless it's been changed since December. GPs don't prescribe, you can contact 111 or phone your health board designated line 🌹

[Sarahze in reply to CarolMcl]

Thanks. I’ll call 111.

[CarolMcl in reply to Sarahze]

Hopefully you get it resolved 🌹

[DorsetLady in reply to Sarahze]

Covid helpline is 119

[Sarahze in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you!

[DorsetLady]

see this from Lupus -

lupusuk.org.uk/covid-19-tre...

[Sarahze in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you!

[nada28]

Hi! I just got prescribed the antiviral medication yesterday due to my lupus and medication so defo chase that up!

[Sarahze in reply to nada28]

Ok will do. Thanks.

[Skiathos22]

I was refused ant virals as I was only taking one medication for it, hydroxochloroquine. If I’d been taking additional drugs for it I would have been eligible.

[SufferingMike21]

Hi I had anti viral medication from hospital when I was unfortunate to have got COVID last year due to having lupus.

[Sarahze in reply to SufferingMike21]

Ok thanks.

[Blue_feather]

I read somewhere in all of rhe NHS stuff we have all been sent (initially by text message) is that if you have certain underlying conditions, and you get Covid, you phone the NHS number provided and they will then determine whether or not to offer antivirals. Hence the statement, 'you may be offered antivirals'. In other words, having an underlying condition in itself isn't the only factor. I get the impression it is your rheumatologist that makes the decision in the first instance who then passes that info' on to NHS England, rather your GP.

[SufferingMike21 in reply to Blue_feather]

Hi I have lupus sle,skorgrins and other issues thyroid, kidney etc.When I got COVID I phoned the number which I was txt by gov.com I think to start it was 911 then someone else phoned me and arranged for me to have anti viral medication.

I've had nothing to say it has stopped or anything and I am still able to order free testing kits as I test regular.

Hope this helps rgds Mike

[DorsetLady in reply to SufferingMike21]

Covid number is 119

[Sarahze in reply to SufferingMike21]

Ok thank you.

[Sarahze in reply to SufferingMike21]

Thank you!

[Sarahze]

Thanks for this.

[CaviarRed]

Hi I too recently tested +ve for Covid and I have Lupus/Sjorens/Myositis/anti-phospholipid syndrome. I contacted Rheum helpline who told me to contact 119. Not eligible for antivirals as I only take Hydroxychloroquine. 🤦

[Sarahze in reply to CaviarRed]

It would appear that some can request the anti virals and others can’t. I’m on day 6 and beginning to feel a little better. Thanks.

[CaviarRed in reply to Sarahze]

Hello again, I'm on day 6 (12/08) and also feeling a little better, though lft today is still +ve. Nothing is straight forward these days. It seems that those who shout loudest get attention. Well, I didn't have the energy or the inclination to do any shouting so I have just had to grin and bear it.

I expect you did the same. I hope you feel better very soon ❤️

[Sarahze in reply to CaviarRed]

Thank you. You too!

[happytulip in reply to Sarahze]

Anti-virals are prescribed depending on certain criteria. The Medical team phones you back and does an assessment over the phone. If you are eligible for the anti-virals then they courier them out to you. I was very impressed with the very professional and prompt service that I had.

Also, a while back I received an email informing me that I am on the list as someone who may be eligible for anti-virals if I get covid again, (I really hope not). I was also told that I am eligible for free LFTs too.

I think as the covid research evidence has been analysed, it has become clearer about who is at a greater risk. Although I believe that everyone with SLE and AI disease should remain very careful.

I hope you feel better soon. I'm not sure if this is your first rodeo with Covid but it can lull you into a false sense of security and then the symptoms come and hit you again.

Feel better soon.

[HantsMan]

Hi, I had covid late December, Lupus was on the list but only if as a result of that you where having to take an immunosuppressent, like methatrexate for instance. And it was the NHS from whatever number it was to call at the time that triaged me and then I got sent some antibiotics by courier next day and told not to leave the house, even thou the rules at the time said I could as there weren't any the time... Still hope that helps as if you're not immunosuppressed, you are in a better place to fight covid off.