Cosyntex (double dose) and tested positive for Covid ?antivirals

[MadamePetitPois]

Good morning, I tested positive yesterday. The second pink line appeared really quickly!

I feel really rough today.

Called GP yesterday about antivirals but she said that once I’d uploaded my test to the NHS app it would trigger a response.

That was nearly 24hrs ago and I’ve heard nothing. I’m on Cosentyx (secukinumab) double dose, so 2 injections and I only injected last Thursday, so I’m probably worried immunosuppressed or at my peak.

She also prescribed me some high dose antibiotics incase my chest deteriorated.

I’m wondering if calling 111 might be an option but don’t want to overload an already stretched service!

Any advice works be helpful xx

[MadamePetitPois]

Sorry for the typos, I feel so poorly x

[Madmusiclover]

Your doctor should have referred you. Try calling back. I’d call 111 out of hours. They did the business for me. You have up to 7 days to get the antivirals.

[MadamePetitPois in reply to Madmusiclover]

Thank you for replying, I’ll wait until midday and call the surgery back. I think I’m extra worried because I’d only just injected! Xx

[MadamePetitPois]

Oh and the GP said that she hadn’t heard of my biologic so I’m wondering if that’s the case for the criteria list too! In so far as Cosyntex doesn’t flag a referral. Oh dear I’m getting in a tizzy! 😞

[GinnyE]

I went through 111 but I know the system is not always clear. I'd keep trying ... 111 or 119. Never mind overloaded systems, you need to get the antivirals if they screen you as eligible. Out of hours is a good suggestion if you get no luck in the daytime. I'm sorry you're getting the run around when you feel ill. Most people seem to get over Omicron more easily but there is no need to go without extra help if you qualify. Good luck and let us know how you get on.

[Julied24]

Sadly I’m in the same position … first symptoms Saturday, tested positive Monday, called Rheumatology helpline and told to ring GP for referral to my local COVID Medicine Delivery Unit so rang GP and referred. Had text yesterday with number to ring this morning for CMDU (day 4 today since symptoms started) and told doctor will call back in next 24 hours to assess which antiviral to use. Advised by unit its ok to not get antiviral within first five days and yet all the info says they must be taken with five days!!! (Only one antiviral works with 7 days) Feeling very unwell now so really hoping I get a call back ASAP!

So would definitely ring your GP back and get referred or 111 or 119. Hope you get sorted and that you’re feeling better very soon 🙏👍

[MadamePetitPois]

Just called 111 waiting for a call back from a medical officer. Thank you for all of your advice xx

[aliplayspiano]

I rang GP after I’d waited 24 hrs from reporting positive test on NHS site and hearing nothing. He referred me to local covid unit and after several calls from them I was prescribed anti virals. It took a couple of days. I was also put on the virtual covid ward and given an oxymeter; I then had to text my oxygen level every day for 2 weeks. I think the antivirals did help though I did develop a chest infection which the GP gave me antibiotics for.

[Zakcho]

Hi good morning, you should upload your positive test result and picture on NHS website and call to 111 immediately because they will refer you to antiviral team. I had call from them after 24 hours past. Although i didn’t need it. Hope you get well soon.

[Fra22-57]

I was referred for anti virals and got call back eventually and although I am on loads of meds plus a biologic told I didn’t qualify.Thankfully on day 11 ,I tested negative and slowly recovered.Hope you soon get better help than I did

[Runrig01]

Unfortunately the list for inclusive meds for antivirals was changed at the end of May, following evidence re risks. The only biologics that are included now are JAK inhibitors. If you are on other immunosuppressants as well as a biologic then the covid physician can make the decision re qualifying. It was quietly changed so many are not aware. The full document can be viewed here if interested:gov.uk/government/publicati...

Eligibility

[Evie3]

I should have got a call but in the end I phoned 111. A Dr was supposed to ring within the hour. 10 hrs later and fast asleep she rang….just about managed to ansa her questions. She said someone locally would ring the next day re antivirals….which they did. However they said protocol for giving antivirals has changed and I wont b getting them. I am on Rituximab ….severely immunosuppressed plus asthmatic😡. Initially i wasnt too bad but I have had a nasty chest infection for 2 weeks now….just finishing 2nd lot of antibiotics and still not right.I hope your experience will b better than mine was. 🤞

[MadamePetitPois]

Thanks everyone I got the antivirals last night. They were delivered from my local hospital. I had another consultation yesterday with the pharmacist and he’sput me on Paxlovid. 🤞🏼I feel better soon. Just tested again this morning and the test bar telling you that you have Covid changed immediately on the fluid meeting it! I still feel rough but🤞🏼it’ll pass. To add to my woes I’ve been referred to a Neurologist as I’ve got narrowing of my spine at L4&L5. My mobility is quite limited at the moment, that’s in spite of Covid. As always thank you for your support ❤️