Am I at risk?

[Shinersdaughter]

New here ! I'm 65, taking mix and benepali. Am I in the at risk category for corona virus? Should I be following the self isolation advice? Am I more or less at risk if I stop taking meds? Cannot access any of the usual helplines.

[Lolabridge]

Hello and welcome. We are all at risk but you are more vulnerable because you are taking immune suppressing drugs to control your RA. Many of us RA warriors are in the same situation. The advice is self-isolate and quite a few of us are doing it already. Here's the link to the government website with the advice for us.

gov.uk/government/publicati....

Take care and stay safe.

[Shinersdaughter in reply to Lolabridge]

Thank you.

[KittyJ in reply to Lolabridge]

Lolabridge this advice says to social distance not self isolate unless you have symptoms. Then you self isolate for 7 days 😊

[MagicalMarjieXx]

I am taking Methotrate injections am I at risk and should i stop work I am a College Mentor and deal with students everyday!

[Lolabridge in reply to MagicalMarjieXx]

In your situation I would contact your Rheumy for specific advice for you.

[MagicalMarjieXx in reply to Lolabridge]

Thank you I will do that . Take care Xx

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I work in a primary school I too take a biologic I’m self isolating. Do not stop your meds if you do and have a flare you are putting your self in more danger. Better safe than sorry

[oldtimer]

I would re-iterate that there is good advice too on the NRAS website.

[AgedCrone]

You don’t have to self isolate unless you have symptoms.

Most medical advice is to remain on your medication,& follow all hygiene & social instructions.

[Moremagic123]

I’m in a similar situation, benepali, metothroxate, amongst many other meds and unfortunately yes we need to isolate as we are high risk. I had a letter recently and was upset as it’s along time to be alone. Also my hospital appointments are continuously being changed because of this. I think you should be cautious and try to isolate.

I am now very worried as I was on holiday at end of December to Jan 19 and I came back with a rash on my legs and a cough. I went to my gp asap and I also took photos as I felt quite ill and itchy, but my Gp said oh, it’s nothing just insect bite and gave me some antiseptic cream. I’m now wondering if it was more than this. My sister and her husband also had the same thing, we traveled together. ( we are all diabetic), Now on the news they are saying about a rash so I’m panicking. Whilst on holiday we met some Korean people who were poorly with flu for a couple days but of course we didn’t know about the corona virus until later on. I’m not so sure on my GP diagnosis

Anyway you take care and keep safe