I should have been at a relatives tonight but they phoned to say they’d got covid but thought I’d be ok to visit if I wore a mask. I said I wouldn’t be going, they think I’m being over cautious as “it’s just a cold these days”. I’m on Rux which I’ve been told will make me susceptible to infections.
Am I being too cautious?
Written by
lizzziep
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You are not being over cautious at all, my wife and I wear masks in shops and hospitals, still. The government is quite happy that people are still dying from COVID, especially if of pension age, it saves them money.
Absolutely you’re not being over cautious. I would definitely not go if I was in your position. It might be ‘just a cold’ for some, but others’ may not fare so well.
Your diagnosis and treatment put you at risk! Stay home, put your feet up and indulge! That’s what I’m doing…😂
I’m with you in this I would not willingly walk into covid I’ve had it twice and certainly wouldn’t want it again. Like it or not Covid is on the rise again and we need to protect ourselves as much as we can. Have a good Christmas. Janice
It's absolutely the right choice , , I wouldn't of gone even if there was free beer (a close call though) , , no need to feel,guilty or stress over it , , it's not them needing blood cancer meds and attending clinic. Get your jammys on and relax safe on your own sofa there's always another time. . I'm way past caring what others think even my nearest and dearest if they expect too much of me or put me in a compromising situation. .
Right decision Covid can be like a cold but can also still be quite devastating. You are on a difficult path and must protect yourself. It’s your call and they should respect that. Best wishes. Chris (Leia version)
no you are right to stay away . I know we can pick up covid just going out but to sit in a house with infected people is not on . I avoid my family if they have covid . They understand and wouldn’t want me visiting if it put me at risk . Stay home and relax on Xmas day . Can see them when they are better .
Absolutely agree with you, I am sure the drugs we have to take must make us more susceptible to illness without putting yourself at risk. Shame this time of year but perhaps have an extra special meeting with them in the New Year. Hope you enjoy Christmas anyway.
They quite clearly don't understand the seriousness of your condition. A mask won't stop you picking up germs from their door handles, chair arms, cups and glasses, in fact anything that they have touched, which is pretty much everything in their home. You can't take the risk.
You are right to be cautious as Covid can still be serious for some of us. We’ve cancelled seeing friends & family tonight for the same reason, as indeed have younger, fitter relatives. It’s just not worth the risk of getting ill and potentially serious long term complications.
Thank you for all replies - I don’t feel like a party pooper now! I do wonder what their reaction would have been if I’d turned up and said I’d got covid and they hadn’t!
Haha , very true and well observed , , I'm sure more than eyebrows would be raised if the shoe was on t'other foot . . . . Stay safe and keep well. . .
I think it’s important that we all do what we feel comfortable doing and are respected for whatever decisions we make. I went to see 2 of my kids in London a couple of weeks ago and as I stood rammed up against everyone in the tube I thought “I’m going to go home with something nasty” and sure enough I tested positive for Covid a few days later! It was pretty horrible and I certainly wouldn’t want it over Christmas. Stay at home, keep warm and enjoy your Christmas 🎄xx
totally agree with your decision. We had the same dilemma last year and chose the same path. Even if I didn’t have ET, I wouldn’t want to walk into a hot bed of infection! I’d even think twice if someone told me they had a cold and it wasn’t covid. Why walk into somewhere and spend time in close proximity to germs, it’s a recipe for feeling ill for at least a few days afterwards. No go! Search the freezer for something nice to eat tomorrow (or brave the supermarket!) and then snuggle in! It may be a different Christmas then the one you planned but different can still be lovely! Enjoy!
you are absolutely right. It’s your body, your choice. I know it’s difficult sometimes as some people don’t understand our situation..even close family! 7 years ago my late husband in remission of lymphoma and I went to a grand child birthday party. Lots of kids with cold..and I should have known better. He caught a cold of course, he died 6 weeks later. Couple of years after I was diagnosed with ET and then Covid came. I know that they think I’m over cautious ( but don’t voice it) when I say I’m staying home for Christmas. Between my new hubby and I we have 6 children and loads of grand kids. We saw some of them a few at a time over the last weeks and we’ll see the rest after the New Year. They now know not to come if anyone has a cold.
Don’t feel guilty. You’ve made the right choice. Have a perfectly relax Christmas and enjoy it. My best wishes for 2024 🎄🥂
I don't think you're being too cautious! And if they are in the first 5 days, they are even more infectious. I am getting over COVID and it was not just a cold for me. It really sucks that we still have to make these hard decisions.
How terribly insensitive of your relatives to make you feel bad for not going. You’re definitely doing the right thing. Enjoy your alone time in your own home. You can always see them another time.
I wouldn't go near people I know have Covid even if I was 20 years old & in perfect health! Nothing is worth the risk. You never know how it will affect you, even if you have had it before. It can kill you!
I tested positive for covid this morning and will spend my Christmas at home instead of with relations. Disappointed, but would not want to pass it on to them, even though they are young and healthy. Must give a shout to wonderful service of NHS, tested positive at 9.30am, phoned 111, they arranged an assessment , and had paxlovid delivered from hospital 20 miles away to my house by 3 o clock this afternoon. Wonderful service especially when most people are already on holiday, extremely grateful.
You made a good decision. It upsets me when I hear of folks shaming those of us who choose to be cautious and wear masks (ie “you’re overreacting”, “its just a cold these days”, AND knowingly inviting people over when they have active COVID!). How insensitive!
Yesterday, my youngest son and his family cancelled their flights to visit us for Christmas because they tested positive. And this morning my husband tested positive. There’s a lot of virus going around right now.. You betcha we are all acting responsibly, staying home and choosing not to expose others.
I can’t even imagine someone suggesting you or anyone else should “just wear a mask” & come over. I have a friend with no health conditions who recently was extremely ill from Covid. In the U.S. folks still end up in the hospital with Covid & I suspect that’s also true where you are. So glad you stayed away. Happy Christmas. Katie
I tested positive on Friday and had two very rough days so far. This is despite 8 vaccines. Avoided it for 4 years as we were wearing masks on planes and trains and had good hand hygiene, husband forgot mask last Sunday and went on the tube and was positive 3 days later and I was positive 3 days later after him. So much goes into Christmas and it is a shame when plans are scappered, but taking a big risk is not worth it. You can re celebrate on a different day. Our hospitals are at minimal staff levels and more strikes announced. I would avoid needing them if you can. Good luck!
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