My situation which may be useful to anyone else …. I returned from a holiday to Menorca on Monday, first holiday in 3 years, and tested positive for Covid on Thursday.
I called 111 to request anti virals. After three people calling me to get more information I was told yesterday that I do not qualify for anti virals. I have PV and take Hydroxicarbamide, that alone does not allow me to get anti virals, I also have RA and take methotrexate, methotrexate on its own is not a qualifying medication. They checked with a consultant as I take both meds and was advised no. I am to stop the methotrexate for two weeks ( I was told this by rheumatology at the start of the pandamic if I were to get Covid).
The anti viral team also said that as I take Clopidogrel there is only one anti viral I could take which has a 30 - 40% effectiveness rate. As there are side effects and my symptoms are not too bad, heavy cold, headache, sore throat and fatigue, I was happy with this. I just hope I don’t get any worse.
My flu and Covid vaccinations were due in 15 October which I have now had to cancel.
Judy 💐
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piggie50
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Sorry to hear Covid got you. Hope you get over it quickly without too many distressing symptoms.
My hubby has been told by his rheumatologist to stop taking his methotrexate for two weeks when he has his Autumn booster; never been told this with his past vaccines. Seems it gives you a better response, which makes sense, and something that had crossed my mind.
I had the flu vaccine ten days ago, booked it at the pharmacy for the very reason I didn’t want both at the same time. I’m glad I did it this way, as the flu vaccine made me feel under the weather for a few days.
They asked me at the surgery this morning had I had any vaccines in the last week. I told them I had flu vaccine ten days ago, vaccinator said ‘that’s ok, we just don’t want to overload you’! Presumably, they all have their own take on it.
The fact you’ve now had Covid may suggest you need further guidance. Xx
Due to have covid and flu in 2 weeks. Previous Astra Zeneca and Pfizer general ok. Last booster, Madurna knocked the hell out of me for 3 says. Last year's flu jab also knocked me about. So seriously thinking of delaying flu jab.
I’m definitely not having both together although my GP practice is pushing for it. The only reason I can think is it less costly time consuming to do them both together.
Dear Judy , ,. . Very interesting about the anti virals vs conditions and drugs for same as many of us are perhaps mistakenly thinking we can rely upon them to help stave off or alleviate the symptoms to stop them getting a grip. Lets hope if we do cop for it our symptoms remain mild to moderate.
Wishing you a very speedy recovery and i hope you had a lovely holiday.
Yes but i would take any holiday right now and beggar the risk. . Several friends have been away , abroad and UK and a few have had Covid on their return. Hopefully your symptoms will not be too troublesome and cause no regret. Im sure one is as likely to catch it going shopping or to a hospital appointment now mask wearing and hand sanitising is minimal. . . .
Hi piggie 50, Im finding who qualifys for ant virals confusing. I received an email from nhs on 20 th sept saying a box of lateral flow tests were in the post and alsothe nhs would contact me if I was to test positive for covid as im flagged up as having health conditions that would trogger more treatment. Im pv and take bydroxy. This letter was from stephen powisedical dorector nhs.
Very strange. My heamatologist has always said I’m no more at risk than anyone else. My neighbour who has MF and on no meds was given a pack with testing kit for if she got it. Same hospital different consultant. Who knows??
Hi Piggie hope you don’t get to unwell and feel better soon does seem strange some get the ant virals other don’t I had my flu jab yesterday and have felt under the weather today headache and very tied with very sore arm I am glad I didn’t have both together I have my Covid in two weeks take care and wishing you well Poppy
Your problems receiving anti virals is very confusing. As you are aware, we live in the same area and attend the same hospital. Until the 20th Sept, I thought that I also wasn't entitled to them. I hadn't received any letters/emails, and I also tried to order a box of LFTs from the gov website and was 'told' I wasn't entitled to them. So I purchased a few boxes from Boots.
Then on the 20th Sept I received an email from NHS Covid treatments saying I was entitled to anti-virals and that they were sending a box of LFT tests, which I received a few days later.
I have PV and take Hydroxycabamide.
I hope you don't suffer too badly with symptoms, and it remains mild for you. x 💐
I always look to the more 'old-fashioned' treatments - I also gargle with tcp and use a neti pot for saline sinus rinsing. Hope it helps to ease it for you. x
When I had COVID back in January (Omicron variant) I did not qualify got monoclonal antibody infusion treatment based on PV and being on Pegasys. I did qualify based on age > 65. The prevailing opinion seems to be that the MPN does not put us at particularly higher risk with MPNs. Not sure why the oral antivirals are a problem to access though if you wish to pursue that treatment. The monoclonal antibody treatment supply was very limited back then. The oral antivirals are more readily available. Perhaps someone knows what the issue with access is.
That makes good sense. I did not feel all that bad either. I opted for more aggressive treatment mainly because I was caring for my Mother, who was in the hospital at the time. I needed to ensure the most complete recovery possible. I actually do not think it sped up recovery at all.
I was refused anti virul too. I rang on day I tested positive . Have ET Jak2 positive. I was very Ill with it especially chest. Local Dr prescribed antibiotics for chest which really helped breathing & recovery . I got the impression from conversation that Hospital not keen on prescribing anti Virul. I don’t intend having booster or flu jab until 3 months at least from my Covid infection . Julia . Devon. UK 👍
Judy I had Covid so have been told leave booster for 3 months . Some older friends told 4 weeks but I will stick to the 3 months. My husband has been very I’ll on it & flu jab. I have been very I’ll on Hydroxycarbamide lost 7kgs & really messed my health up. Awaiting possibly Peg. I am trying to get my normal health back. I was fit healthy & doing sport until I injured my shoulder & kept asking for bloods as not healing. It eventually turned up ET Jak2.
Platelets were 590 no symptoms but they put me on Hydroxy immediately no offer of anything else. As I was in shock of diagnosis I took them 6 weeks but went downhill as body rejected it & I was digesting little food as went straight through me. Hence currently trying to avoid anything until weight & health improves . I got Covid late August & the new variant did not work on last booster so happy to wait . Julia . Live Budleigh Devon 👍
That makes sense for you Julia. You’ve really been through it. I don’t want to wait too long for the flu jab, I hate the thought of getting that after how I feel now. I think I may wait a while for the Covid booster, I assume I have some protection for a while.
I’ve been on Hydroxicarbamide for 9 years and tolerate it very well.
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