Shield or distance?

[oldtimer]

Lots of people seem to be unsure about the difference between shielding and distancing. I thought this article very clear on the differences and thought some other people might like it.

fullfact.org/health/coronav...

[dawkin_S]

Thank you! That is the first easily understood definition of this that I've seen.

[Pippy25]

Thanks for posting this. I think there has been so much confusion and at times has felt as clear as mud as to what to do. So I have thought about my situation and done what I feel is the best and right thing and am doing my best to get on with it regardless of letters, texts, leaflets. We all know our own personnal situations and health. Take care

[helixhelix]

That is useful - why in heaven's name didn’t they issue something like that earlier?

(Although I still find it confusing as I if they put people with AIDs and those taking steroid tablets in the less vulnerable category then I’d have thought that would be the same for us unless we have another conditions? But loke Pippy I’m doing what I think is right for me...)

[Pippy25 in reply to helixhelix]

Had a good chat with my GP this week and she is still saying I should shield, but because I don't fit into any of the boxes It appears I don't qualify for any letters or support. Too long and complicated story but that's how it is. Although what I find sad is that it appears they can throw support as in texts, letters, leaflets and leave voicemail messages for my late dad, because he is on the 'list' , but sadly to say others who maybe needing that support may be or are missing out. I don't 'shoot the messenger' so to speak in respect of those who are contacting, but where on earth are these lists coming from and why is there so much confusion? I could complain, challenge seek reasons as to why I haven't been classed as at risk having two auto immune conditions, which currently due to having investigations and further bloods which were awaiting to be done and other things I am not on any meds other than pain relief, but I have come to the conclusion I need to conserve my energies for other personal things that are more pressing at the moment. So will be guided by my own health and decide what is best for me. I have been lucky to date and have sourced a local supplier for food and have had slots with Iceland also and managed to get three months worth of tablets to see me through, but my heart goes out to those who do have health conditions, who don't 'fit the box' but are still at risk and are vulnerable, have no support and don't know if they should be shielding, isolating, distancing or what and for how long?

[Stayloose in reply to Pippy25]

The GP and Rheum can use their discretion and flag you up as extremely vunerable regardless of your score. Probably needs docs who are diligent.

[Stayloose]

I am baffled why it hasn't be made clearer publicly. Maybe because Matt Hancock doesn't know himself. All the over 70s I know haven't put a foot outside the door even if they are perfectly healthy!

[helixhelix in reply to Stayloose]

Apart from my brother in law who goes shopping every day! And with high blood pressure and being obese. Drives my sister nuts, but she can’t get him to take this seriously - or even semi-seriously.

[Stayloose in reply to helixhelix]

I guess every combination of response is out there.

[Bookworm55 in reply to Stayloose]

Interestingly -all the over 70s that I know are doing exactly the same as the under 70s ie socially distancing and only leaving the house to exercise, shop, for medical purposes etc. Unless of course they have a medical condition which puts them into the shielding group.

[Stayloose in reply to Bookworm55]

Maybe I have a very cautious group of friends and acquaintances 😁

[Bookworm55 in reply to Stayloose]

Or a very sensible group! Tbh I think this is likely to become more of an issue when lockdown begins to be lifted . I’m not over 70 and my mtx doesn’t put me in a more vulnerable group either but I’m retired so am expecting to keep following the advice we have at the moment for a long while to come. Even though I really need a haircut!

[Stayloose in reply to Bookworm55]

I'm just ordering some bobbles and eyeing up a messy bun courtesy of eBay! I asked my OH what he thought of the messy bun idea. He looked horrified as he thought I meant for him!

[Barb66]

Well I’m still confused 😐 I Have RA and take a biologic injection along with methotrexate and hydroxychoroquine but haven’t received a letter to shield. I’m assuming this is because I don’t take steroids and therefore am not deemed very vulnerable? That said I have actually been shielding myself and leaving the shopping to my OH x