Bit nervous about what to do.

[keviekevstar]

I'm still confused about what to do with this COVID 19 virus,should I self isolate for 14 days or...I was diagnosed with PV in 2017. I am due for a venesection on 27th of this month. Take low dose of aspirin 75mg one a day. I feel fine. Also do have asthma and I haven't had a flu jab. Just confused by all of this,sorry for rambling a bit.

[mhos61]

I’m not surprised you’re confused. Hopefully, we’ll get further clarification in the coming days. Keep checking in here too.

I have ET, I’m 64 with no other underlying health conditions. I consider myself quite healthy, but I’m not foolish either. For now, I’m just being as sensible as I can be. I’m trying as much as possible to apply ‘social distancing’ in the supermarkets and wearing surgical gloves too - left over from nursing my Mum through shingles (knew they would come in handy). I have to visit my elderly Mum and do bits and bobs for her, other than that, hubby and I are staying indoors.

Take Care

[ChrisAnnSen in reply to mhos61]

This expert seems to indicate that those of us with MPNs are no more prone to infections than the general population:

mpnresearchfoundation.org/M...

[keviekevstar in reply to ChrisAnnSen]

Thanks very much for this.

[Scrollernut in reply to ChrisAnnSen]

Interesting. My doc says just the opposite! No one seems to really know so just use good common sense like anytime a virus or colds or whatever is going around.

[keviekevstar in reply to mhos61]

Thanks very much for your reply. Yes am doing my best by staying in am a bit low on food,so will pop out later. But other than that keeping myself to myself and Skype chatting.

[Tico in reply to mhos61]

Take care mary.xx. tina🤗

[mhos61 in reply to Tico]

Oh, bless you Tina, you too. 🥰

Just been for a long walk whilst no one is around, apart from the odd dog walker. Xx🤗

[wotan10 in reply to mhos61]

Greetings from Fleetwood England.

This web site is clear.

I am 67 a female with ET. No frilly bits. I am type 2 diabetic.

I have been self isolating since March the 13th ha ha.

No symptoms.

If You want further advice put your queries to Maz. She is very supportive.

My GP letter arrived this week and was very specific for me.

I have not mingled with the general population and go for my 3mile walk early doors keeping the social distancing rules.

Shopping is sorted with military precision by my husband.

With some different food choices, for example tinned catering size fruit seems to be the in thing. Not been to the bank for cash, I don't go out for other stuff.

Had a hair cut by my husband. It's short and choppy any ways.

If we are in for another month that is my first planned visit along with the foot spar.

Keep safe and we will get through this. All take care.

[Aruntez in reply to wotan10]

From how many years you are with Et.my wife age is 31 she she was et calr postive

[Hidden]

mpnvoice.org.uk/about-us/ne...

[Applesnpears]

Self isolation for 14 days is only relevant if you are feeling unwell with cold/ flu like symptoms.

The advice for everyone is to minimise social contact until further notice, just do the essentials. However you should speak to your doctor about getting a flu jab. You say you have asthma so catching flu would be a further strain on you and your lungs and will put you at increased risk from Covid-19.

You dont want to be taking up an NHS bed with flu that could be avoided.

[Mycancerconcern1]

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Bloodwise

Coronavirus and blood cancer

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Posted by

Bloodwise

Updated 17 Mar 2020

Latest update: 16th March 2020

Following the Prime Minister’s press conference on Monday, March 16, we have updated our advice on the coronavirus for people affected by blood cancer.

Staying at home (shielding yourself) for 12 weeks

If you have blood cancer and have a weakened immune system, we now advise that you stay at home for the next 12 weeks. This is also known as "shielding" and means keeping you apart from the general population. This is to reduce the risk of you catching coronavirus as much as possible, as it could have a more serious effect on you.

Those with a compromised immune system include people who:

currently have any type of blood cancer, whether they are having active treatment or not

have had chemotherapy in the last 3 months

have had a transplant in the last 6 months

are on immunosuppression medication after a transplant

If you’re not sure whether you have a compromised immune system, you should talk to your healthcare team as soon as possible to find out.

Children with blood cancer

The guidelines above on who has a compromised immune system is the same for children as it is for adults. So if any of the bullet points above apply to your child, they should also stay at home (shield themselves) for 12 weeks.

If you look after or live with someone who has blood cancer

If you look after or live with someone who has blood cancer and has a compromised immune system, you should also consider staying at home for the next 12 weeks (shielding yourself) and following the advice here.

If you are in remission

The length of time it takes for your immune system to recover after cancer and its treatment varies depending on the type of cancer and treatment that you had. There is not a lot of evidence for individual cancers and treatments that can give a specific time frame. Generally, it takes a few months to a year to recover. However, we have also spoken to people who say they pick up infections more easily over a year after treatment. The advice to everyone in the UK at the moment is to be doing social distancing. If you are worried about your immunity, follow the advice here to reduce your risk and contact us if you are still worried.

Supporting vulnerable relatives if I am also staying home

If there are people you would normally visit or help during this time, but you are also staying at home, there are other people and services that could help, and you can still help by being in regular contact.

We are currently looking at what we can do as a charity to bring more support to people staying at home.

Call your relative every day or more to check in with them

Ask your relative's neighbours if they could help by bringing them supplies

Ask other family members or friends who are not vulnerable themselves to drop off supplies

Book online deliveries for your relative

Call your relative's local council

There are charities and groups in local communities working to support those who are vulnerable - look into anything happening in your relative's local area

Talk to us

We understand that many people will be worried about the risk to their health, and about the prospect of being isolated in their home for so long. If you’d like more information, or just want someone to talk to, please call our free and confidential support line on 0808 2080 888 or email us at [e-mail].

You can find out more about Bloodwise, blood cancer and our support services on our website.

Over the next few days, we’ll be thinking about what we can do as an organisation to support the blood cancer community at this extremely difficult time. We will also be updating this page as soon as we can with more detailed guidance for specific groups such as children with blood cancer, so please continue to visit it or follow our social media accounts for updates.

Staying at home (shielding yourself)

Everyone in the UK is being told to limit their social interaction. People with blood cancer are advised to be particularly stringent. We advise that for 12 weeks, as much as possible, you:

Avoid anyone with possible symptoms of coronavirus

Work from home

Avoid public transport

Avoid large gatherings

Avoid gatherings in public spaces such as pubs, cinemas, restaurants and theatres

Avoid gatherings with family and friends

Limit face-to-face interaction with family and friends - if they need to visit, be extra cautious about hygiene, touching and hand-washing

Ask family, friends and neighbours to help with food shopping, or use online services

If you don’t have people nearby who can help you get what you need while at home, contact your local council.

Coping with shielding yourself - what you can do

These measures are severe, but they are neces

[wotan10]

Well said.