Covid antiviral treatment

[peejay74]

I’ve got a positive PCR (lft was negative fri, positive Sunday, didn’t test sat), specialist nurse has said I am entitled to have the antiviral infusion but it’s up to me. I’m day 1 and have til day 5 to have it. Although I’ve felt like I’ve had illness coming on for nearly a week. Symptoms are mild, no fever, no headache, no cough to speak of. Just tired and earache, feels like a head cold. Do I have antiviral anyway? I’m on Tocilliamab, pretty stable disease with some lung scarring but no treatment for this needed. I’m also 48 female. I know no one has any answers but thoughts? Anyone had the antiviral infusion?

[KittyJ]

As the nurse says, it’s up to you. Only you know how bad your lungs and health are already but I don’t think I’d risk it. If I was offered then I’d take them just in case because on day 6 you might get worse 😁 but that’s me.

[Moomin8]

I had a choice, but decided against taking them. You really have to make the decision yourself, to be honest, because we are all unique. I do understand your dilemma though...I was the same. I still have a cough and it has taken some weeks to feel anywhere near what I was like pre-covid. It's harder for us as we (or me I should say) are generally more tired due to our RA. I did stop Tocilizumab and Mtx injections though until I was beginning to feel better - my GP and rheumatologist advised me to do that. Good luck 👍

[Karen12]

I had the infusion between Christmas and New Year. It was quick and efficient and I had no side effects after. I was similar to you with very mild symptoms anyway, headache, blocked ears and a runny nose. I didn’t want to take the risk as apparently it’s days 5 and 10 you need to be wary of. I was on day 5 by the time I got my infusion sorted.

[peejay74]

Thanks all still undecided but going to call GP.

[Fra22-57]

You can still get it and decide on day 5 if you want to take it.It is something I have thought about what I would do.I definitely would stop the biologic for a week or two thou to give my body chance to fight the infection as the biologic does suppress the immune system

[GinnyE]

I’m not sure why you are uncertain? I thought the treatment can only help. Are there risks I don’t know about?

[Wobblyone]

I had Covid in December 2020, before the vaccination rollout. For the first 5 days I just had a fever and felt very poorly, by day 10 it had really got to my lungs and I couldn’t breathe. Like I say, this was prior to the vaccine and was the Delta variant, so harsher than the current type. If I caught it again I wouldn’t hesitate in taking any help offered to me.

[Jillyanne]

It’s personal choice , I am on Rituximab and if antivirals are offered me would accept with open arms 😘but as said only you know how your body is feeling

[Annieb24]

Do you worry about side effects? If this is the case why not take the tablets rather than the infusion and then stop them if you don’t get on with them.

[peejay74]

I only hesitate because my symptoms are so so mild. My gut says it'll just go away by itself, but what if it doesnt and takes a turn on day 10! I have had 4 vaccines so they are doing their job. Going to ring gp, maybe they'll still do it as precautionary. Thanks for your comments, its helping.

[Otto11]

It’s a difficult decision for you to make & only you can decide. I caught Covid ( Delta) in August before the anti virals were available I was very unwell but the worst are the long term effects. I’m still really unwell & not managed to get back to anywhere near like I was so for me it would be a definite yes. Understand your not in the same position. It’s a hard choice to call x

[medway-lady]

I've had it tested positive Friday morning and the infusion in the evening. You'd be mad to turn it down as they said to me might be ok now but tomorrow is a different matter. I'm now back to normal apart from a runny nose. And the infusion is so safe that my hospital had done 120 in that week no side effects at all. Its simple, painless and works! Go for it without thinking anymore about it. I was told quicker you get the better it works. I know its your choice and respect that but if you've been offered it then it is so important.

[Fruitandnutcase in reply to medway-lady]

Hope it worked and you’re feeling much better now medway -lady.

[medway-lady in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

It did and I do. Thank you. xx

[swoodge]

Hi I got Covid about 4 weeks ago now and desperately fought to get the infusion but no one was willing to help, I stopped my biologic and mtx and felt awful by day 4 and was really concerned I would get worse from there. I knew I was eligible but no one would help me get it. I would wait until day 5 and see how you are. My husband had it on day 2 and felt a lot better straight afterwards but he was eligible for different reasons.If you feel okay then just wait and see you have the choice which is nice.

Good Luck x

[strongmouse]

My husband had Covid in January this year. By day 3 he was coughing and I was worried. He discussed with dr from Covid hub and decided to take the antivirals at home. I am so glad he did as within 36hours he was feeling better. He had no side effects and I am just grateful they were available.

I hope it remains mild for you. The antivirals have to be taken within five days of positive test / onset of symptoms, as you know. Weigh up the risks of becoming worse against any known risks of treatment and then decide before day 5. All the best to you.

[Hidden]

Take it asap

[peejay74]

Someone is calling me tomorrow to arrange it. Now i see it'd be silly not to even if my symtoms are barely there. Im not worried about side effects just wasting resources but if its offered then yes they dont see it like that so i must need it. Thanks again all.

[Hidden in reply to peejay74]

I think you have made the right decision. You mentioned scarring on your lungs. Better be safe than sorry x

[cathie]

How are the infusions given? I'm assuming there's some dedicated hospital space for people with covid having them? How secure did you feel when having the infusion?

[strongmouse in reply to cathie]

Hi Cathie, the infusions (monoclonal antibodies) have to be given in the local NHS Covid Hub. This was, for us, at our main local hospital. My husband discussed this with the doctor he spoke to - from the hub - and it was agreed that he could have the antivirals, which are tablets you can take at home. They were couriered to him that evening and the doctor phoned daily for two days until he was happy my husband was responding to the treatment with no side effects.

[cathie]

Thanks. It was the tablets our GP was referring to. I’m glad your husband is ok now