RA and High Risk Category

[Mouseling]

I have RA and have weekly Tocilizumab injections. Last week my my 14yr old daughter had a sore throat and felt unwell. I spoke to the school who said to follow NHS guidance. She had a day off and felt better so went back to school. I spoke to my Doctor to ask if I should have my injection. She said I should hold off to see how my daughter was. Over the weekend my daughters symptoms developed into what seems to be a cold. No sneezing, no more sore throat, a bit of coughing on waking but not continuous or dry. I spoke to school and they told me to still follow NHS guidelines. I decided to keep her of school, partly because I don't want to spread 'other' germs around for people to deal with, and also because from what I have read Coronavirus can be very mild in some and difficult to distinguish from cold and flu. She she seems fine in herself now eating and drinking. Should I keep her off to check nothing else develops? Since the governments new guidelines have come out I will also ring the school again to check their position.

I presume having RA and taking a biologic drug puts me in a high risk category. Is that right? I have already been much more careful about mixing with people and at home have been disinfecting, using seperate towels, soap, toothpaste, and keeping my distance from family. Should I now be isolating my self more in the home? Should I now take my daughter out of school? My husband is unable to work at home but is being very careful at work and generally. Aside from situation I want them to be safe too! Thank you for any advice.

[Hidden]

NRAS says biologics are high risk. But you don’t get the back up from Gps as there are no guidelines

[Mouseling in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for this

[Mmrr]

14 days is now the time people have to self isolate from the day of first feeling unwell. It doesn't matter if your daughter is not unwell, she could be ssymptomatic or still be in the incubation period.

And, yes biologics does put you at higher risk than those not on biologics, but no one knows how much of a risk that is.

[davannh]

Hi I spoke to my Rheumatologist and he said that Tocilizumab reduces your immunity and makes you vulnerable. So yes you are high risk.