hi I am now week two of covid (for the first time) but still have a fever, so so tired and congested, I contacted 111 when it started and they said I am not entitled to anti virals even though on rituximab infusions which I had the last one at the start of July. Doctors said the same but how long will this last ?
Thanks
J
Everyone will be affected differently so there’s no real answer. I tested positive for 11 days but it was a good couple of weeks before I started to feel symptoms improve a lot. 🤞🏻 crossed you start to feel better soon.
I feel for you and very much hope that you start feeling better soon. It took me a number of weeks to recover.
For future reference those with rheumatoid arthritis who are on rituximab are entitled to antivirals - see under 'immunosuppression' on page 24: assets.publishing.service.g...
I have found that health professionals knowledge of the provision of antivirals (and indeed other measures relating to covid) can be unreliable and it is important to have access to the regulations to check for yourself. There has been a lot on this here over the last 4 years and perhaps another member will be able to provide more information if the link I have provided is out of date (I don't think it is).
All the best.
It is advised not to take the anti virals within 6 months of a Rtx infusion…. because it will have depleted the B cells,& there would be nothing for them to work on.
I believe the antivirals respond directly to the covid virus. Are you referring to the covid vaccine?
No not the covid vaccine ….the anti virals some people are eligible for when you first catch Covid.. But you shouldn’t have any vaccination too close to an infusion,,,very soon I shall be checking when Boots are starting to open their list to have the Autumn Influenza vaccination … so that I will have plenty of time before my next Rituximab infusion.
Think you are confusing antivirals and vaccines (or if not I’m not understanding your comment).
Antivirals are used to treat Covid if you have a Covid infection. Anyone on Rituximab is eligible but you have to start them within 5 (possibly 8) days of testing positive. There is no need to wait any length of time after a Rituximab infusion (in fact it’s probably more important to take them if you’ve had Rituximab very recently).
Covid vaccinations aim to prevent you from having a severe covid infection. In an ideal world it’s best to wait six months after having Rituximab before getting the vaccine but that’s not always possible (especially if like me you need to have Rituximab every six months and vaccination campaigns are now seasonal). It won’t cause any harm having the vaccination early, it just might not be so effective.
Yes I did make make a dog,’s breakfast of explaining didn’t I? What I was trying to explain, was if you have had a Rtx infusion within 6 months ….then do develop Covid …the anti virals will have nothing to work on as the infusion will have depleted the cells they act on. Well I think that is what I meant🥴
I can assure you there is no need to wait 6 months before taking antivirals. I’ve had Covid several times and have always taken antivirals. The shortest gap between Rituximab infusion and testing positive was 2 weeks, the longest was 3 months.
As the name suggests antivirals work directly on the virus (not our cells). They work by stopping the virus replicating so the virus eventually dies out or at least is held at a level our immune systems can deal with.
I would say it is important for anyone who has had Rituximab (especially if it wasn’t long before testing positive) to take the antivirals if they are experiencing severe symptoms but they need to be started within 5 (occasionally they will allow 8) days.
We’ve just booked our flu jabs with our local pharmacy for 18 October.
Just deleted my first reply to say I would try to book the flu vaccine….as this is the reply I got TODAY 7 August 2024
FROM
BOOTS FLU JAB SERVICE
“Thanks for considering Boots for your Winter Flu Jab
New season of flu vaccinations will begin later this year.
Please check back for more information”
So I guess I will go in to the branch the next time I’m in town & ask.
I think that table refers to eligibility for vaccines, not antivirals 🤷♀️
My understanding is that it lists the clinical risk groups for Covid and is guidance for who is eligible for vaccines, antivirals, free LFTs etc.
All such Government info for the immunosuppressed is here (updated 21/05/24: gov.uk/government/publicati...
I had Covid whilst on Rituximab & didn’t have the antivirals because it was over Christmas…..& nothing was working. But so many people were telling how poorly they were on them..I don’t think I would have had them if offered.
I was only poorly for two or three weeks and apart from losing my taste and smell for a few months afterwards, I’ve got no long-lasting effects from it.
Hope you are feeling better soon.
PS.. I would have been eligible because my last infusion was more than 6 months earlier.
That's very strange isn't it because I'm on 12.5 mg methotrexate and I was offered antivirals. I didn't need them as it happened but the offer was there. How about calling your rheumatology department. Don't quote me on this but I think with antivirals you have to take them in the first few days though. Someone else may know more here. Best of luck it's rotten and feels like it will never go but eventually it will, rest lots and look after yourself xxxx
Remember even if you are eligible for antiviral treatment you will only be offered it within 5 days of testing positive.
I am on immunotherapy for RA and when I had Covid in 2023, I tested positive for 4 weeks unfortunately and was severely congested. My RA nurse told me that some patients tested positive for 6 weeks. I hope you feel better very soon, it’s very debilitating.
poor you….they said the same to me the last time I was unlucky to catch it. However I got a secondary infection (chest infection) so Drs gave me antibiotics. You need to speak to your Dr as we are told ‘do not get infections). Take care xx
Antivirals are only given up to day 4 of positive test
Sorry to hear you’re suffering. Do contact your GP and let him/her know your current symptoms. Ask what help you can be given now. If your GP does not know contact your Rheumatology Team on the helpline.
Do make sure the GP has on your NHS health records that you are on Rituximab. Many of us found that it was not showing in the list of “current medications” as Rituximab is a medication provided by your hospital Rheumatology Dept. RA patients on Rituximab are eligible for antivirals as Jimminey has stated here.
Hope you will feel better soon.
As others have said antivirals have to be taken within the first 5 days of Covid infection. My last bout a couple of months ago lasted two weeks and my temperature was off the charts for almost a week. Once the fever broke I was so tired and exhausted I didn’t think I was ever going to feel ok ever again but I did recover slowly and am back to normal fatigue wise and no longer have a cough for me antihistamines helped get rid of my cough as I think allergy was adding to the congestion and prolonging it. Please make sure you drink loads of fluids and keep on top of the fever with paracetamol. If you still struggle to breathe you may have developed a chest infection and you’ll need antibiotics posthaste. Be very vigilant especially as you’re on Rtx you won’t necessarily need antibiotics but bad infections can be masked by Rtx and be very serious very quickly. Keep on at GP if you don’t improve in a couple of days. Having said all that and I don’t wish to panic you, I hope you feel better soon and recover without any lasting affects. Covid is horrible especially the 1st time. I’ve only had it twice but still don’t want it again.
Hi, I caught COVID at Hospital and I had ritux jab 4 weeks earlier I called and was told I couldn't get antiviral jab, suffered for 32 days of poz testing. Still waiting for A Doc to ask if I'm ok.....a year and a half later. I Do hope you get well asap.Take care.
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