Confused.com

[Nixxx]

Hi thank you for letting me join the group. I have ET Jak2 and take aspirin. Is there any clarification as to whether we are classed as vulnerable and have to isolate. I haven't had a letter or a call but I currently work on a ward in a hospital and we are staring to see corona virus patient. Unless its in writing I won't be able to isolate. Sorry for the question and I'm sure its been asked a thousand times.

[Dazakella2010]

Hi

Yes we unfortunately come under the risk category.... and you should be shielding for the next 12 weeks.... there is a link in here somewhere that someone posted.

[G1DRA in reply to Dazakella2010]

Fax,

I don’t have clarity from my GP or Oncologist. I have ET with JAK 2 and I take Aspirin and Hydroxy each day.

Neither have responded and nothing from the NHS regarding being at risk.

Have you been contacted by the NHS?

[Dazakella2010 in reply to G1DRA]

bloodwise.org.uk/coronaviru...

[ELIZBEN]

Hi

I would advice you to call your hospitals occupational health dept for them to do a risk assessment on you. They will then tell you if you can work and if so the types of patients you are allowed to work with.

J x

[Deefen]

I’m exactly the same as you - ET & on aspirin. My haematologist says we are no more vulnerable than anyone else our same age, but to take all the precautions everyone else is taking (or SHOULD be taking)!

[katiewalsh]

Hi. I’ve just listened to Dr Rueben Mesa’s (MPN specialist in US) talk and he said for most of us, our MON doesn’t make us more at risk than other people. But you do need to ask your doctor who’s familiar with your entire health history. Good luck & take care. Katie

[Nixxx]

Thanks for your replies I'm going to ring the haematogist on Monday and see what he says . I'm more worried with working on the ward with the incorrect PPE aswell

X

[Otterfield]

If you check the pinned posts on this site, the one Maz posted on 19th March gives helpful information on this, and takes into account age and what medication we are on. It was put together by the MPN specialists at Guys so it seems to me it would be the best guidance we have.

[hunter5582]

The cautious answer seems to be to consider your situation to be vulnerable, but not high risk. The most accurate statement I have heard to date is in essence that people with MPNs with intact immune systems are not at higher risk of contracting COVID 19 nor at higher risk if they do contract it; however, there is still a lot that is unknown about COVID 19 and we really do not know for sure how people with MPNs will react. This presumes that the person is not on any medications that compromise immune response. Ruxolitinib and hydroxyurea are both immunosuppressant (Rux usually more so than HU). What is clear is that people over age 60 (which many of us MPNers are) experience increased risks if we contract COVID 19.

Given the setting you work in, you likely should have altered duties that eliminate patient contact. Others on this forum in your situation have reported precisely that. Some moved into positions that eliminate patient contact - others have been sent home. Sounds like different hospital systems in the UK are responding quite differently to this situation. Same thing is true here in the USA. Suggest you be sure to advocate for yourself. Perhaps provide your system with the NHS recommendation that you be considered in the "Vulnerable" group.

All the best - and stay safe.

[Nixxx]

Have spoken to haematologist today who states I just need to social distance. I am not venerable or.high risk. Quite hard to do when your working all day with patients.