Hi all,
is anyone considering stopping taking MTX while this coronavirus is about? I am going to speak to my RN on Monday but am worried about my reduced immune system and lungs.
Woz
Stopping MTX with coronavirus: Hi all, is anyone... - NRAS
Stopping MTX with coronavirus
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Emwozere
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•
I was thinking of messaging my rheumy about it (I'm in the US and can send messages through the online portal). I suspect she'll say to stay on it for now.
There are about 20 cases in the UK in a population of 60 million, so you would have to be extremely unlucky to be in contact with a carrier!
And even if you did, for most people it is like a bad flu and chest infection. Even over 80’s who have multiple medical conditions and a suppressed immune system can survive it more often than not.
And, MTX at the doses we take is only slightly compromising your immune system. Slightly more if you take biologics too.
So I would follow the guidelines to take sensible precautions, like hand washing and try not to stress about it. There are two posts a bit further down the page with sensible advice from Creakyjoints.
I agree helixhelix. My thinking is that my immune system which has gone into overdrive and started attacking me as a result of RA, is actually being kept at a more normal level by methotrexate (20mg) ... not really compromised as such.
My blood results support this view and I’ve not had any infections/viruses in the last 12 months.
I came off methotrexate for 5 weeks last year to have yellow fever jab and suffered no ill effects from the vaccine although had an RA flare that needed steroid support till methotrexate started doing its job again.
So I don’t believe that I am at any more risk from coronavirus than the next person. Obviously some people due to age and/or health are in a more potentially vulnerable position... but otherwise just take sensible precautions and remember to live your life to the full. 👍
If that ever became remotely necessary your rheumatology team would inform you immediately.
There are approximately 66 million people in the United Kingdom and so far only 20 people have been confirmed as testing positive.
Right now that means the other 65.99999 million are not affected .....so are at no more risk of catching anything than they were before this virus appeared.
After all......we don’t stop taking our drugs if our next door neighbour gets the flu or shingles or pneumonia do we?
Relax .....keep washing your hands, stay away from large gatherings & stop worrying..... doctors have enough to do without getting hundreds of queries about stopping or starting drugs
If you listen to the WHO bulletins they are saying that even if you do test positive you might not even feel any different, and the worst that you cold expect would be a flu like illness for 3/4 days.
The drugs most RA patients take are nowhere the strength the drugs cancer patients take . I am on a Biologic drug,& I have no worries at all.....despite being so old it’s a wonder I can stand upright.!
Please stop worrying....you are not at any more risk because of this virus.
My view on this is: when at home and in a relatively safe place and able to practice good hygiene, keep taking the meds.
In the UK the risk is still quite low.
Increase your vitamin supplements to strengthen your immune system and your body's resistance.
I am not a health professional. Seek medical advice.
I am on biologic drug and and multiple different conditions(diseases).I would only stop biologic if I caught something like flu or shingles or Corona virus. Our immune systems are compromised but it will not stop me from doing things.I still plan to go abroad but will take same hygiene precautions etc I do here . Plus.. why stop taking something when its helping you.If you then get worse you will be more likely to pick up infection.Try not to get stressed
I only ever really stop them if I’m on antibiotics for an infection and once when grand babies had chicken pox Rheummy nurse advised and I needed antivirals for two weeks.
I’m not overly concerned about catching it here at home but do confess to concerns on flights and passing through busy airports- so many different nationals in close proximity. M x
I agree with all the responses no need to panic. Just be sensible and I did get Shingles whilst on Benepali and Azathyoprine was not a problem really. Try not to worry bad news sells newspaper and there must be a reason why it affects the people in hot spots more so I wonder if its something so simple as living too close together and not hand washing after going to the loo. In China there are no GP only hospitals it said on the news so might it be that alone makes it spread quicker? I don't know but have more than enough to worry about. And only once in my many years have I had flu. it was back in the 70's and it was awful had to go home to mum and dad, off work for a month and yet my mum and dad nor my sibling got it. So much more than contact involved.
One thing we have also got to remember is that this virus started to spread from animals...Bats apparently..... to humans in street markets in China .....which when we saw them in all the TV reports looked extremely unhygienic.
I don’t think I have ever seen anything like that in European markets. I’ve seen live chickens in cages waiting to be sold, but I have never seen animals lying there like they do or hopefully “used to do” in China.
But as you say...no need to panic.....even if unlucky enough to get it......we all live in comfortable warm homes where we can quarantine ourselves with Netflix or a good book......what would concern me would be being forced into quarantine on returning to a UK airport from a country where the virus was spreading, & for some reason I had a temp above 37°c.
I wonder if sucking an ice cube would help🤪?
... sorry to go off piste but how does one get Netflix ? I don't have a smart telly ...
I’m almost ure you need to be able to connect your TV to your Router.
I have a reasonably new TV and they set it up for me when they delivered it – but it’s all a bit hit and miss because the instructions that appear on the screen, don’t match the buttons I’ve got on my remote control!
I’m sure somebody who knows will reply soon!
Thanks agedcrone, glad I'm not the only luddite...
I just had a look if you google how to connect Netflix there is a little film that tells you how!
I'll try googling that... [ but connect it to what ? ] ....
Dunno...I didn’t watch the film.... I just got as far as when he said there’s no point buying a smart TV just to connect Netflix & thought you could work it out from there!🤗Maybe it means the App?
Yep, I deliberately didn't get a smart TV cos I knew it would just complicate things... who needs Netflix anyway .....
Ive just googled it, I think you need a smart tv to connect to router but I'll try looking for entry ports etc later when snooker final finishes....exciting....
Crikey...snooker is better than Mogadon in my book!
OOOOH ! I looooove snooker, so skilful, super exciting.....
I get both Netflix and Amazon Prime through my Virgin TV. Might even worth checking with your TV provider
Hmmmm, I don't have a TV provider, I have broadband with Talkbloomintalk but just have freeview on telly....
You subscribe its easy look on line.Cost about £12 a month but really good tv. Apart from the news and some documentaries we now mostly watch Netflix for drama series and films. You must watch The Crown !
I watch Netflix on my iPad (downloaded the app and paid my subscription). If you don’t have a smart tv, but you do have an HDMI slot on your TV, you can buy a lead to connect your iPad to the tv & then watch Netflix on your tv screen. You’ll need wifi to be able to do this.
Ooh, thats interesting, I have a mac, I'm guessing its the same principle as an i pad...
Your mac may have and hdmi so u can connect it directly to the telly and set it up as a second display. You just sing in to the Netflix website and move the window to the tv
Hi there, I have no idea what any of that means but thanks for trying !
APPLE TV in Argos I have Apple TV to get Netflix
Thanks, I'll look into it...
Good Read:
I agree that the current risk is very low but, to prevent spread we really should be limiting our contact with others, if at all possible. Flying abroad increases the risk of spread.
I'll only start to worry if there's an exponential increase in the UK, which can happen over 2 weeks (as in Italy). I believe this question is part of being prepared and informed - which we should all be doing now. Asking questions now informs everyone and I too will be asking for an answer to this question, among others.
I've been watching Dr John Campbell on you tube - an excellent coverage of this virus. He says anyone with an immune condition is at greater risk - and that is us. Please listen to what he has to say - good words of wisdom from an expert here in the UK.
I don't believe we should trivialise this.
L
Shalf• in reply to
I agree with you. I'm taking solitude at this time as have had enough infections thank you very much.
Another in Surrey has contracted the virus.
wishbone• in reply to
Pretty much my feelings too. Well said!
medway-lady• in reply to
Nobody is trivialising this but we do have to be realistic, if all the police, fireman, power workers, doctors , railway staff, food factory workers etc etc went to stay away then Country would grind to a halt. Realistically more chance of getting run over. I've no doubt that a vaccine will be in production soon and how does anyone get solitude as we all need to eat so buy food. Even if its delivered by Ocado how do we know the driver has not just got back from Thailand ?
I think biggest risk for a bug or virus is a blooming hospital. I know I've had food poisoning, a cold and probably a lot of other bugs. I'm just gonna wash hands and not let anyone greet me with a kiss unless I know them well. And carry on with life.
Not near it yet, but if this virus does take off in the UK then I will be prepared as I can be and will be adopting the well practiced dormouse mode by going into at least semi- hibernation. I'm not fool enough to think that this will fully protect me that is impossible, but it should go some way to lowering the odds of me getting the virus.
Whilst I agree that the current risk of picking up the virus is extremely low, I do think some of the posts here are verging on cavalier, not only that they are, if not giving out inaccurate information directly, then implying it. For instance, how on earth can someone with a compromised immune system who is taking immune suppressants, not be at more risk of catching the virus and becoming seriously ill than a healthy person would be. 
Give me a break!... just take a look at any of the published high risk groups and see if autoimmune conditions are included. If taking immune suppressants make no difference then what is the point in stopping our meds if we pick up an infection like rheumy tell us to?
• in reply towishbone
I totally agree. It's in the very early stages of a Pandemic so, of course, the risks at the moment are low, but in one month things could be so much worse and the Government know this.
Going to hospital will only be for the critically ill patients but, resources are scares in the NHS and it's predictable that the demand will be much higher. Hospitals will need to prioritise patients who are most likely to pull through! So, in my mind, that won't include people with compromised immune systems or the elderly. So I think staying away from the hospital will be our only option, unfortunately.
The government advice is to self isolate - and to prepare for that. This is their current offer. The forces are on standby to ensure we all comply, as they needed to employ them in China. China took massive steps to reduce spread, on behalf of themselves and the rest of us, so other counties really do need to consider following their example should the need arise. This is the realism and to be in denial is clearly not a serious approach.
As for a vaccine, the experts are saying it'll be 2021 before one is ready - so it's up to all of us to slow the spread until then.
Lets hope we will all be safe n sound. It has the potential to be far worse than any strain of influenza and, if pneumonia develops then they predict that there'll not be enough oxygen to treat everyone.
It would be great if NRAS did a special news and information bulletin for everyone, to avoid misinformation.
L
Well said wishbone. Thank goodness I have friends who can help with food shopping. They are aware I have a compromised immune system and are aware of my susceptibility to infections. Right now I am happy at home.
But a virus is different from a bacterial infection. It is difficult to see how we can really prevent getting it. We don't have to be stupid and try and to get it but need to be aware and cautious that at the moment is all in my view. Also I do have a lung condition and take antivirals every day so risk v living a normal life is one I run every day. This is not like the Spanish flu or bird flu I remember the panic over that a couple of years ago. I also remember because it affected us Swine fever and the measures taken did stop it so think that the UK is well organised when it comes to this type of thing which is far from a new problem.
That may be the case regarding a virus, but as I've said...people with autoimmune conditions are on the most at risk list, plus I too have a lung condition, so that's more than enough reason for me to try and avoid getting this virus. I fully appreciate how difficult it will be, but that's not going to stop me having a bloody good go! Each to his own I say!....................
• in reply tomedway-lady
Hi,
The COVID 19 is a virus - I totally agree.
But what I hadn't appreciated is it's ability, once it enters the bronchial, to create an infection. So you can end up with either a viral pneumonia (like that chap who was on the Diamond Princess and is coping well without any medication) or, it could develop into a bacterial pneumonia - which is very serious as this attacks the way the lungs pump oxygen into your blood - hence the pressing need for oxygen treatment and antibiotics.
I've learnt such a lot over the last few weeks from Dr John Campbell's daily you tube updates. He's an absolute star! He's putting in so much effort to keep us all informed by just looking at the science and the evidence. I can't recommend him enough. He's my only source of information because I don't have a TV or read the press.
I just hope it doesn't develop into a full blown Pandemic but, as you say, nobody knows what the future holds.
L
I went to my GP surgery yesterday because I use the pharmacy which is just outside.
On the door into the GP practice there are huge red notices Do Not Enter.....With a list of instructions underneath which I didn’t go close to read ......but when you telephone the practice they do give the symptoms of the viral infection, and say if you have any of these please hang up and call 111.
But apparently you have to be very patient because sometimes it takes four hours to get through.
AgedCrone• in reply to
The irony is...Italy was the only EU country to ban flights from China!
Grubbypaws• in reply to
Thanks for the heads up on Dr Campbell Pole-dark. First time I've seen him and he is very interesting. Can you remember in exactly which episode he discusses the immune supressed issue?
• in reply toGrubbypaws
Hi,
To be honest I think he covered this briefly on today's 10.00am live chat. It's over an how long as he's taking on random questions, but he covered quite a few aspects. He's so knowledgeable and presents everything in a very straightforward fashion that it's really worth watching the last few day's worth.
On one day, about 2 weeks ago, he said the boss at WHO had been in touch to thank him for his excellent coverage and he has a network of contacts in loads of countries who tell him exactly the reality on the ground.
He has 2 significant concerns:
1. That people can be asymptomatic - so spread the virus unknowingly and
2. Our NHS will not be able to cope with the demand for oxygen.
And WHO seem to be listening to him!
Hope this is useful.
L
KellyInTexas• in reply to
Dr Lin, a Canadian GP has very sensible, non scaremongering advice that brings the correct balance with safety in mind.
Very good Kelly, thanks for posting!
As of today, 1st March, of the 23 confirmed cases here only one has been infected within the UK. Please, don't stop any meds unless expressly told to do so by your Specialists. Think of it another way, would you rather risk long term joint damage by stopping meds over a virus which if we're sensible & are doing all we're advised to do, & not to do, by the authorities we may never be infected by? Do you do the same for the annual flu virus if you’ve gone against advice & not had the vaccine which protects against the most virulent strains? By far the majority of confirmed deaths have been smokers (so if we're already doing all we can to help our RD that shouldn’t be a problem) & the elderly, some giving the age as 80 or over who likely already had a history of age related respiratory issues & weakened immune systems. We're told the spread in China is likely not representative of what might happen if the global spread of the virus worsens, we're better prepared here so be guided by those who know.
The risk of contracting 'normal' flu or a cold are much greater than covid 19, we should be aware and take sensible precautions, such as regular hand washing , but not alarmed. The risk to any individual in the UK of contracting covid 19 are teeny. The stress of worrying about something that probably won't happen could be more damaging to some one with RD too. There is a great deal of media hype about the virus, it creates news.
Exactly....there was a young woman interviewing the SSH on TV this morning & she was like a child who is at the “Why Mummy” ? stage.
No matter what logical explanation he gave... pointing out that nobody knows ...experts included....what will happen with the progression of this virus in this country.......tomorrow or next week....so all he can do is listen to the health experts, take their professional advice...& act accordingly but still she went on ‘Yes but,No but’!
I gave him 10/10 for not just saying “No one knows already ....OK”?
I belive the government are about to begin a widespread survey by randomly testing people in GP surgeries and hospitals throughout the UK. Hopefully this will give a more accurate picture of how widespread the coronavirus actually is in this country.
No...they will not be testing in GP surgeries they are telling people to stay away from their GP surgery if they have any sort of symptom of this virus!
There will be specialist units set up...you can see all the info on gov.uk
Info on Covid 19.
Anyone who thinks they may have some sort of respiratory infection should call 111 and just keep calling even if it takes a long time.Please do not go to yourGP surgery unless you have an appointment, or have been told to go there.
I'm not talking about being tested if someone thinks they have the virus.I caught a snippet on the News about a week ago with some minister or government spokesman saying they were going to launch a survey of random testing at certain medical facilities throughout the country.I'm pretty sure GP surgeries were mentioned. As I said, such a survey will give a clearer picture of how widespread the virus acrually is in the country.
I have just looked on the website & having listened to SSH on TV this morning ...what appears is going to happen depends very much on how many people are found to be carriers/test positive.
There is no point testing thousands of people.... taking doctors and nurses away from their every day work, clogging up labs, and leaving sick patients without a physician ......if this virus doesn’t proceed any faster than it . Is at the moment.
Hopefully NHS England/ Scotland /Wales /Northern Ireland all have their own plans for how they will proceed if a lot of people do suddenly present with the Virus.
It is very much a case of treat what happens...not just have a guess & hope... because nobody can accurately predict what will happen.
It was only a brief snippet I heard, but my understanding is that random testing would take place presumably with patients visiting their GP, or at hospital appointments or wherever. This does make sense if the medical authorities wanted to get a better idea of how widespread the virus is in this country...would it not? Must say that I haven't heard any mention of it since.
• in reply towishbone
Hi,
I heard the same - it's a pilot of 10,000 test kits being sent to a handful of GP Surgeries and Hospitals and they will test anyone who presents with the symptoms. So this is meant to give us quite a quick turnaround view of how widespread it actually is in England.
At the moment, testing of individuals has been restricted to just a few thousand, who are linked to these other infected countries, or someone in the chain - so these are the reported known figures. It could be more wide spread or it could still be restricted to the known outbreaks. We just don't know until the results come through.
It's a great idea as it'll give our government a solid baseline to predict future spread and the resources required.
L
wishbone• in reply to
Ah right, thought I heard GP surgeries mentioned. I only caught a snippet on the News so did not get all the details. Agree about it being a great idea, let's hope the results are reassuring.
wishbone• in reply to
Just been watching Dr John Campbell's latest video in which he talks about a pilot scheme involving 11 hospitals and 100 GP practices screening people by swabbing everyone who comes in with breathing difficulties. Unfortunately a GP from one of these practices has already tested positive, which is not surprising seeing how much GPs interact with people.
I was mistaken about random testing as such, but pretty much on the button with the rest of it.
wishbone• in reply to
Just heard on the News that a health worker in a Hertfordshire cancer clinic has tested positve. Now I am worried, especially as I've broke a front tooth and need to book an urgent appointment with the dentist. 
• in reply towishbone
Who are they going to use to randomly test? There is not enough medical staff in the country as it stands.
AgedCrone• in reply to
Advertise for volunteers?
After you J1707!
• in reply toAgedCrone
😂😂😂your on your own there AC
wishbone• in reply to
That may well be the case, I'm just reporting what was said.
I assume testing will take place if someone presents breathing problems or some other respiratory symptom. I don't know if people like yourself wishbone who already have a respiratory problem could be more susceptible but I would personally ask about that. I am in no way cavalier or paranoid about this, just simply adopting common sense as I see it.
I don't think so, I only caught a snippet but I definitily heard some minister or whoever saying that there would be a nationwide survey testing people to try to get a clearer picture of how widspread the virus is, which does make sense to me as no way can they tell how many asymptomatic people have come into the country with how things stand. Funny how I haven't heard mention of it since, but I know what I heard said back around a week ago.
Don't doubt it was on tv at all. That's the thing, sooo many people saying different things. I channel hop trying to hear the latest and it changes from report to report frequently.
I think we all agree that we have to be careful especially with our immune systems functioning less than others. I just hope I don't get it or read of anyone on here getting it.
Hope it takes a rocket dive to space!
I don't think having a respiratory condition makes me more susceptible, but is obviously not good if I do get the virus as it attacks the respiratory system. Having autoimmune disease as well does scare me. If I did not have this lung condition then I probably would not try to isolate myself at home, at least not to the extent that I'm planning to, and take my chances just taking the usual precautions such as regular hand washing.
As if we haven't enough to deal with without having this bloody thing on top!!!
It appears the attitudes on here re corona virus are pretty much divided.
I have watched Dr John Campbell as recommended by Pole-dark above. It is indeed very interesting and informative.
I agree with Pole-dark that we shouldn't trivialise this situation. I personally feel it takes more than simple good hygiene
ie, washing hands to ward off the risk of catching this virus. As Dr Campbell said, anyone with an immune condition is at greater risk.
I didn't want to say before what I would do re travelling at this present time but have chosen to say now, I won't travel. Perhaps my view is partly because of my increased occurrence of infections. I feel airports do carry a higher risk. Corona Virus on top of RD, no thank you!
Re medication, I will take instruction from Rheumy Consultant however, at this time, due to a bladder infection I am taking nothing.
Anyway you surely don't want a face like my previous post photo! Holidaymakers COULD be told to wear those masks! 😳
Face masks do not protect anyone from any infection, unless worn and changed properly. Improperly worn, dealt with they create more problems. The overwhelming number of the population dont know how to use them, I'm not being provocative, stating a fact. Education is required.
And they are actually hard to find now. People ARE panic buying masks. I understand fully the concern though.
So right.....Mainly the masks we are seeing scuttling around Beijing & Tokyo are worn because the wearer has a cold/respiratory infection.
The wearers are in fact very conscious of not infecting others .
They are not to protect the wearer..but those around them.
Here in the West we have made the manufacturer’s....usually Chinese .... rich......by getting the wrong idea!
...and, Covid 19 is mainly spread by touch, not droplet infection. You actually need to be near someone with covid 19 for many minutes and have them sneeze or cough over the top of you to have any risk of picking it up by droplet !!!! It's really not that easy to catch.
Touching surfaces previously infected with covid 19 and then rubbing your eyes, touching your mouth /nose is the main route of infection. So keep washing your hands, and don't touch your face with your own hands (or let anyone else touch your face for that matter 😚) and if you feel the need to wear a mask, don't touch it for goodness sake, and change when moist, or after a few hours, change by using touching the straps/ties only ...not the face mask or its pointless your hands will be covered in all sorts of nasties, growing happily in the nice warm, moist environment....and it must fit properly. Surgical masks are best, not the hyped up rigid type, they do need to be made to measure.
Sorry for the rant, but I get excited when medical procedures are not followed adequately, hence I cannot watch medical dramas on TV as I just end up talking over the dialogue 🌡🛏📈💉💊
I can see a big brawl happening at one of our airports shortly!
Some idiot in the crowds will sneeze/cough into people and the SxxT will hit the fan. We will see!
But by that point they will have already spread the virus all over surfaces that other people are touching , then touching their face....droplet infection is the least problematic 😤🤧
It said on a news tv channel earlier that the virus is thought to spread from person to person through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. In any event, I'm not taking any risks that can be avoided.
Droplet is one way viruses and/ or bacteria can be spread, but it is not the main one, touching is. Covid 19 is the same. Hence the big push on hand washing by the Cheif Medical Health officers of England and Scotland and reinforced by Boris over the past day or two.
I'm not saying sneezing or coughing over someone is ok, it isn't, but touching is the main method of spread. Catching a virus by droplet is more difficult than people think.
Again, most people are not educated in using a handkerchief to prevent spread of infection by droplet, hence the hanky becomes a problem, not the solution.
Paper hankies only, use once, throw away preferably into a bin with a lid and.....then wash hands. If no hanky sneeze cough into elbow. Otherwise there ain't much point.
I'm not a big fan of hand sanitizer, but whilst covid 19 is around it makes sense, it's a reasonable response particularly for us immunosuppressed folks.
This is also where I read about the transmission of virus.
I do think there are a lot of contradictions and hopefully someone in the Government will give accurate details soon.
The NHS are saying for droplet spread of covid 19, you need to be in contact with an infected person for 15 plus minutes and at close quarters, closer than 6 feet, or living with them, all the usual stuff for virus infection. It's not normally just a transient contact, passing an infected person in the street for example.
I understand they are not absolutely sure about spread, hence the appearance of confusion, that's fair enough with a new disease.
But hand washing is still the biggest way to prevent spread of infection, with good use of hankies.
I'm not worried, the risk is small, if I'm near someone who is coughing/sneezing I'll remove myself, but I do that anyway as I'm on oral prednisolone and JAK inhibitors. I can't do anything about the asymptomatic incubation period, but I can't for flu/ colds/HFM disease or anything else for that matter.
That's what I mean about airports. The long queues at check in. But yes, my hands have never been so clean and hankies that are material used and used again give me the...🤢
Best time to travel 😊 I flew a couple of days ago, there were no queues at check in, the plane was nowhere near full and Heathrow was so quiet we thought we had missed some big news announcement not to fly.
That's good news! Very unusual for Heathrow, perhaps a lot of people are choosing not to travel at this time who knows. I'm sure we will all find out in due course. Enjoy the sunshine.
If true, which it seems to be, what scares me and has the authorities worried is that an infected person can be asymptomatic for up to 14 days so can pass it on to others without knowing that he/she has the virus.
Just love the way in TV medical drama the nurse in A&E suddenly appears in theatre....then ten minutes later she is the ministering angel on a medical ward!
How’s that for multi tasking?
My favourite rant is the way injections are given in dramas ! Have you watched IV whatever being injected ? !
If you end up, in A&E these days I think there's an appointed “cannulator”.
I was whisked off to A&E with a massive nosebleed ( strangely enough when 111 asked me if I had bled enough to fill a cup I didn’t know ) and nobody wanted to do anything except shove a cannula in my arm ...when all I wanted was someone to stop my nose bleeding!
anyone interested SSH is on Andrew Marr show now on BBC Parliament..7.40pm
I agree, but why are government not giving clearer directives about such things instead of leaving it to so called experts who's advice contradicts each other. I've seen and heard this happening more than once on the TV.
Good old infection control doesn't really change. Public education is the key, washing hands is boring and unseen, wearing a face mask makes a public statement, they are even being used on the catwalks as fashion statements, which I find very sad.
I was out at the shops yesterday, a group of teenage girls were making a huge, loud fuss about their masks, touching them with their hands, noses exposed...you get the picture. If any one of them had covid 19 or any virus they were up there in spreading the infection around, quicker and further than not wearing them.
That's pathetic!
I am well aware of the picture regarding the proper use and type of face mask (N95) that offers the most protection.
I have just listened to a piece from UK chief medical officer who made a point that I thought very helpful. She was saying that the people who have died have by and large been people who would have been vulnerable to dying from the flu (including younger smokers).
I thinks that helps put it in perspective. I don’t view myself as being in a state of health where the flu would automatically kill me (it might, sure, but not an absolute). But if you feel that your health is delicate enough that a bad bout of flu could be hard, then be extra careful.
I am going to be sensible for my travels over next couple of weeks, but am carrying on as looking forward to a couple of meals in China Town in London. And if something does happen to me then you can say “we told you so!!”
You might be a lonely diner hh...I spoke to friends who live in London this morning and apparently around Soho& Leicester Square where a lot of the Chinese restaurants are...they still have their tables outside with the heaters pushing out warm air....but sadly no customers!
It really defies belief that people might think because this virus came originally from China .....if you are Chinese living in England and haven’t been to China for 20 years you still might infect somebody in a Chinese restaurant.
.
In fact I would presume all Chinese Restaurant workers who did go back to China/HK/ Singapore for Chinese New Year a few weeks back, would all have been checked...as were the Chinese university students studying here.
But there has been at least one case of a Chinese lady being assaulted in London and told to go back to China.....insinuating she may have the virus.
Shameful behaviour.
Apparently the virus makes the immune system over active so it attacks the lungs and other organs. (I read in article). If that's the case perhaps our drugs will protect us 
I'm on methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine. I'm in Tenerife arrived day that hotel was quarantined. Bit nervous about flying back Tuesday primarily because BA will not respond to my question about their policy towards guests from the H10 hotel. Jet2 and TUI will refuse guests from there unless they have an official negative test or stay in quarantine for 2 weeks until 10th. I just want to know the facts so I can make an educated decision regarding the potential risk. Maybe I'll buy a ticket on Jet2 or EasyJet (also refusing guests from H10 without testing). Whatever the weathers been amazing and had a great time. Anyone else in Tenerife?
Sadly no....should have been sunning myself in Golf Del Sur....but fell & hurt my back so couldn’t travel.....
But as soon as I feel I can sit on an aircraft for 41/2 hours...I’ll be there!
My parents live there, it’s gorgeous ❤️
Thank gawd for that!...I was beginning to think the tramadol was playing tricks wiv me ''ed again. Seriously, I wasn't sure of the details so may be wrong about being tested at GP suregeries etc, but I knew that widespread random testing was being planned. For a change the government seems to be doing something that makes a lotta sense!..............
Maybe what a brave thing you do.
Maybe the right thing to do.
Maybe the wrong thing to do.
Maybe it’s something I’ve been thinking of doing.
I shall look into it, and maybe something to chat to my GP about.
I think this has come from the Governments of many counties and it is written to say that there’s a need to depopulate the world and by 2030 they want to rid the The world of 90% of the population of the earth.
Look up AGENDA 21.
Scotland has its first case of covid 19 tonight, someone back from Italy.
Tayside, no more information has been given.
This is a valid question. I've been reading some of the posts (too many to read them all) but some people are far too blase.
We are HIGH RISK for coronavirus.
Each of us will have different risk, based on age, severity of disease, lung function, amount of immunosuppression (if you're just on hydroxy, very mild, if you're on 2 dmards and a biologic, higher risk).
We are NO more likely than anyone else to get the virus, but if we DO get it, we are far more likely to be in the severe category. Far more likely to die.
I don't want to scare people, but seriously, some of these replies are just too cavalier.
the UK is not 20 people in 60 million people. There is confirmed community spread. That means there are thousands of infected people walking around, and each person infects another two each day. They could be next door, or the could be across the country. You cannot know.
This is a pandemic. There will be no vaccine for at least a year. We will not have a vaccine for the first wave, so we need to isolate ourselves to reduce our risk. Perhaps stop our meds as well, I can't tell you what to do, that's a very personal decision. I am currently off my meds due to major surgery. I need to restart, because my RA is out of control and in ever joint. Though I don't want to start again, NOT starting is counter productive to me, becuase I can't function. If I were not flaring, I would not start my bio and mtx again. Infact I'm trying to get by with mtx.
I am able to isolate myself at home. I have enough supplies for three weeks. I'm lucky I can do that, not everyone can.
The CDC, WHO, and most governments are now saying a pandemic is inevitable. The truth is it already meets the definition of a pandemic. There is plenty we can do to protect ourselves, hand washing, covering coughs, don't touch your face, the usual stuff.
My trigger to self-isolate is community transmission near me. That could be true right now.
Decide what your risk level is, your risk aversion (how prepared you are to take risk), and what your trigger to take action (whether that be isolate, stop meds, whatever) and watch the media. There is far more information on social media, but there's a lot of rubbish there too. But as of now, world leaders are warning the world for an inevitable pandemic. Some are saying that 50% of the worlds population will become infected. The vast majority will be absolutely fine. Mild disease, maybe no treatment required. But for us, the risk is higher.
I'm worried for my 80 year old mother, and I'm worried for myself. My teenage kids will likely be absolutely fine.
There is some evidence that chloroquinine can be protective. Hydroxy is a very similar medication, but I am not able to find info as to whether it also may have protective effects.
And that's about it. Keep up to date. Wishing everyone the very best. Don't worry what other people think....do what's best for you. If that's stock piling food and medications, do that. If that's a low risk, much needed holiday, do that. Just analyse all the information, and make your personal decision.
Best,
Lily
Hi Lily, I hear you.
People are just at different levels of concern that's all. Its human nature.
There will be fear and there will be indifference on here and out in the larger community. There has been plenty discussion over the past few days. I agree it's a personal decision what people choose to do and I think everybody on here knows that.
My mum is 82 , I understand how you feel. The news is broadcast everywhere and no one can hide what's happening.
I'm sure everyone will do as they see fit for them and their families. Its difficult to adjust and accept news as we have just now. The uncertainty is worrying for many. Some people have stronger opinions than others but I don't think anyone has tried to downplay the reality of things but rather encouraged to not stress or panic too much as doing so does no good for our disease.
Take care. X
was thinking about it but as having a horrible flare at the moment I don't think it would be a good idea , love to see what others think 14 penny
Massive no you mustn't. NRAS guidelines state you will cause a flare and that will leave you open to all sorts of illnesses and problems.
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