Covid Antivirals

[SDJD]

Hi, if we get Covid is it still advisable for us to ask for the antivirals or is it so mild now that patients with blood cancers don’t need them? Suzy

[hunter5582]

When I had COVID in January 2022 my MPN status was considered irrelevant to treatments. I did receive monoclonal antibodies due to age >65. The decision to request the current generation of antivirals may have more to do with your overall health status than just the MPN. Your MPN treatment would certainly be relevant if your immune system is affected.

It is certainly your prerogative to pursue antiviral treatment for COVID if you believe it to be in your best interests. Suggest that you review your MPN and health status with your MPN care team for a case specific recommendation.

[Ratton]

Yes I think booked 7th which is booster for a weeks time. Had covid 3 weeks ago,didn't have anti viral (have ETbecos by the time I would have received them I would have been better. There are so many different anti viral,wot are side effects ? Spoke to 111 clinician also paramedic at gp surgery etc etc by that time exhausted 😩. Just took paracetamol 3x daily and rested drank fluids etc etc....

[Ebot in reply to Ratton]

I had Covid this time last year (I had my flu jab first and was waiting for the Covid jab - reversed them this year!!) and got the antivirals. I’m not completely convinced I needed them but I was better within a couple of days - though it took me 48 hours to get hold of the meds. I had the tablet form. The main side effect is a vile taste in your mouth. I’ve had that before with an antibiotic but it would subside. This was 24/7. And it was grim. I stuck with it but can understand why some people give up. I’m not sure I’d do it again but then again, I suffered no long term effects and was over the whole thing in a week. I know of people who are still getting very poorly - even if not hospitalised - with the current strain.

[DoubleF79]

Hi. I got them in Feb 2022 via IV & I was the first in you household to test neg so I think they did help although can’t be certain. The chest infection I got 2 weeks later was 100x worse than Covid. Cough lasted 9 weeks.

Had it again 3 weeks ago. This time tablet antivirals. First dose left a disgusting taste in my mouth so I didn’t take any more. Tested + for 5 days & generally felt like a heavy cold. Still coughing

For reference I’m 43, CALR, platelets holding steady at 400 ish on 17 Hydroxycarbimide a week. White count good.

Check with your Doc I’d say. Good luck.

[Fallorange in reply to DoubleF79]

Hi DoubleF79,

Thank you for sharing.

what is CALR, and what does n 17 Hydroxycarbimide a week mean?

[DoubleF79 in reply to Fallorange]

CALR is the mutation. 17 is the number of tablets I take weekly.

[Exeter21]

In UK it is the medics decision to agree to virals. I caught Covid & contacted hospital but they looked at my medical readings & told me it was not necessary. I got the impression that your normal health needs to be very poor for them to think it necessary. I recovered fine from Covid .

Julia .

[DoubleF79 in reply to Exeter21]

My normal health is fine so I guess it’s at their discretion

[AndyT]

I took antivirals (Paxlovid) in February when I had Covid for the first time. I recovered quickly and symptoms were mild, so I’d take them again, if available, even though my haematologist has previously told me I probably don’t need them!

[Roxy1959]

Hi I had covid a few weeks ago and registered my test results with nhs. Hospital rang me the following day and I was given the anti viral meds. I took these for 5 days. This is the second time I’ve had covid this year I got the anti viral meds then as well. I have et jak 2 and take 2x500 mg hydroxy and aspirin daily. I am also getting my covid booster and flu jab next week.

Stay well.

[SDJD]

Thanks for all your replies everyone, much appreciated. Suzy

[Margaret2022]

I think we have the option in the uk. I have had 2 vaccines and that’s it for my no boosters or flu jabs . I had covid a couple of years ago and got over it in a couple of days. If I catch it again I will see how it effects me before getting anything

[Wyebird in reply to Margaret2022]

Did you choose to have only 2 boosters?

[Margaret2022 in reply to Wyebird]

I only had the first 2 no boosters

[Annula]

Hi - The new Covid strain I believe is no worse than the previous strain. I had covid a year ago & was given anti-virals as a precaution. However, I didn't take them as my symptoms were manageable & I made a good recovery after a few days. Once you start the antivirals, you must complete the course & possible side effects (after reading through the leaflet) really put me off taking them!!

[Wyebird]

good question

[Charliegirl551]

I had my first and last booster in October 2021 and had a quite bad reaction to it.

In December 2022 I had Covid - was unwell but recovered fine. Other medication wasn’t necessary apart from paracetamol.