I take leflunamide for my Ra, I am well controlled and luckily in remission. Am I at more risk of covid-19 infection? I am 60 years old.
I want to carry on working but work I very close contact with blood donors. What are everyone's thoughts on this?
According to my interpretation of the risk categories listed on rheumatogy.org, you are at increased risk but not high risk.
You might want to take extra care in the usual infection control procedures.
It isn't at all likely that a blood donor would turn up with any symptoms (they are usually a very sensible and altruistic lot!).
Your only risk would come from someone who is not feeling unwell but is developing a mild and early disease - but we have no way of knowing who those people are or how infectious they are. They are probably not very infectious as they would not be coughing or sneezing if asymptomatic.
I would think you are more at risk from the travel to and from the venue than from blood donors.
I can offer something which might be helpful LEF is on the Renal list along with AZA which I take. I don't know if a different dose but I got the text as CKD with RA.
I am on 20mg leflunamide
Yes but used as anti rejection drug, so and I stress I don't know but it'll most likely be with others and in high dose. You should contact your RA team if worried really. I commend you for your work and I'dd LEF for me was the magic drug brilliant but had to br taken away. My nephrologist has asked that it be reinstated for me with very very regular blood tests but then this blew up so I'll be patient and just wait.
Not able to get through to rheumy nurse, answer machine only with an unable to call back at end. No joy with GP can't get passed receptionist, no joy with nhs 111 just told to follow GOV advice, that's why I've asked on here really, but thank you for reply.
