I am a teacher can I go to work?

[MrsC2403]

I work in a school and have been told I cannot go in because of a weakened immune system. Is this the case? I have no symptoms and don’t have any swollen joints etc

[AgedCrone]

Who told you you can’t go in?

[MrsC2403 in reply to AgedCrone]

My headteacher said that because I go for a flu jab and I am on medication that suppresses immune system I need to stay at home?? I feel fine x

[allanah in reply to MrsC2403]

The nhs advice that came out yesterday and NRAS advice too yesterday says RA puts you at high risk from corona virus. If you have dmards it increases, biologics even more and steroids higher again. It is suggested you social distance so yes I agree with your head for you to stay at home. Being not symptomatic and in control of your RA is good as flaring also increases your risk so keep taking your meds. Look on the nhs advice and NRAS website xx

[Mmrr in reply to allanah]

As the schools are closing, can you be given work to do from home ?

My friend, who teaches in school has been asked to prepare online lessons and give online/telephone support to students.

[Ali_H in reply to Mmrr]

Not all schools are closing... special schools are open because all their students have EHCPs and the government statement was first liners children and students with EHCPs must be provided for.

My school is open with students and staff now off if they have underlying medical condition - I am home working from Monday doing admin stuff whilst most of my colleagues will be in teaching merged class groups and possibly colleagues from other special schools in the city joining them and possibly students from local mainstream schools who have EHCPs but no staff to provide for them. School is also being asked to provide over the Easter holidays... it’s a mess!! What happens at the beginning of every school year?? Colds and coughs as we all get used to the new germ pool. What will happen when new staff and students join an existing group over the coming weeks?? Unsustainable!!

The upside?... thinking about that and I’ll let you know when I see it!!

[Mmrr in reply to Ali_H]

Yes, my wee grandson has a place at nursery due to his dad being a front line worker. I used to be a lecturer, now medically retired. It's all so difficult.

[Ali_H in reply to Mmrr]

It’s hard for all at present but I naively thought I’d get through to the Easter holidays. Now I may have just finished my last full week as next academic year I am dropping to a 4 day week (my choice) but hopefully we will be back on track before summer hols!

Sad times but also uplifting when we see some of the beautiful support being offered to others in our communities!

Stay well

Ali

[girli1111 in reply to allanah]

Where is this advice? I’m intending to go into school as part of our key worker provision, I’m well, on hydroxychloroquine and methotrexate

[allanah in reply to girli1111]

Look in pinned post V ictorua NRAS Has put it up.x

[girli1111 in reply to allanah]

Thank you,

[AgedCrone in reply to MrsC2403]

If you can get hold of her speak to your rheumy nurse...if she thinks you are safe to go to work ask her to email you a quick confirmation on hospital headed note paper & hand a copy to the head teacher.

Good Luck

[allanah in reply to AgedCrone]

Sorry but if you are on RA drugs with RA you are now classed in the high risk group.

[Backy]

Your Head is correct. I am on same meds and been advised to stay at home.

[helixhelix]

Your headteacher is following guidance and looking out for you. It’s a rare employer who does that!

[Hidden]

I work in a school it’s definitely a No. if you are DMARDS your risk increases. If your on Biologics as well the you are high/very high risk

[MrsC2403]

Thanks everyone x

[allanah in reply to MrsC2403]

Hugs xxx

[Carolsos]

I work for Whitbread and we have closed the restaurant, I am a chef and now we all have to do 70 percent off our hours cleaning and such! I am on mtx hydra and leflumomide. What can I say to my boss if I should be not working with having a weaken immune system?

Thank you. X

[Mmrr in reply to Carolsos]

Victoria from NRAS posted advice regarding risk on this forum, check her post.