Hi all, I am getting increasingly concerned about the current Coronavirus. I tried to buy hand sanitise yesterday, must have tried 6 different shops, but all sold out. I also tried online but no luck. I think this is when it hit me that it is more serious than I realised. That and the news coverage of women fighting over toilet rolls in the super market, does the virus cause Diarrhoea 🤣 They should have our problems for a day!
We have decided to holiday this year in the IOW, which we love, and not book a cruise, which I was really looking forward to, 16 days to St.Petersburg. Just hope I am well enough to be able to go once the authority's have this virus contained and a vaccine has been produced. I am avoiding very crowded places like the cinema and busy restaurants my family when visiting have been very understanding about hand washing as soon as they arrive.
Whilst I don't want to stop making the most of everyday (don't know how many I have left) I want to try to prevent either myself or my husband, who has COPD, from catching it. Any tips on precautions you have taken? Please share.
I read online that you can make your own hand sanitise out of Vodka, might give that one a go!
A nurse friend of mine said white vinegar is good if you can't get the hand sanitizer. Apparently toilet rolls are made in China and they're making face masks instead so there could be a shortage later. We could use tissues or newspaper if we're desperate. There's always a way round it. What did people do before we had toilet rolls? ha. ha.
I'm doing the St. Petersburg cruise in June and really looking forward to it. Perhaps you'll be well enough to do it next year. Let's hope so.
Oh lucky you, as I am on chemo at the moment and already have a compromised immune system, we thought it best to avoid this year, especially as my cousin was on a cruise in September and 80% of passengers went down with Nova Virus and ruined her trip, so I was already a bit nervous of going, plus the insurance while on treatment is extortionate!
Be sure to let me know what the cruise was like when you get back - have fun. x🚢
Hi, I just keep my distance from anyone, when out, which is usually the last week before the next chemo starts, from any cold bugs etc. I tend to stay at home for the first couple of weeks. Yesterday, I went to Asda and wore woolly gloves so I didn't have to touch the escalator and trolly etc. Apart from that I just wash my hands, although the white vinegar is a good idea. x.
Hi there x they say soap and water is just as effective certainly around home and family, if you need some for out and about i would ring your local chemist/boots and explain your situation i am sure they would put one to the side for you x i bought 1 (just 1 although allowed 2 per customer) in superdrug a few days ago and they said they are getting deliveries most days but people are stocking up and wiping them out. Good advice on breakfast tv (too much time on my hands) and they said open your door and let the air through daily wipe door handles light switches etc after visitors, and she recommended stock up on wine and chocolates in case you have to self isolate 😂
We are using that first defence spray up our noses when we go to crowded place there is a bit of evidence it helps reduce colds etc, obviously not 100% but it makes us feel better.
Hi Lynn. I’ve been waiting for someone to bring up Coronavirus. By the way soap and water for 20 seconds is superior to hand sanitizer. We just came back from six days in Aruba. It was gorgeous but I was nervous about getting stuck there if someone in the hotel got sick. However we were always outside so I didn’t think we would catch anything. I’ve already had pneumonia a month ago and don’t want it again. They say not touching your face and washing your hands is key. I hope all of us can avoid it!
We canceled our cruise (supposed to be in Hawaii just now) as well due to the Coronavirus scare...not so much as we're afraid to get the virus, we believe we can battle the flu...but because a quarantine would be difficult and nearly guarantee we would be sickened. As I'm on the verge of recurrence (rising CA125 in a predictive pattern, Scan was due upon return in April) I did not want to be held on an infected ship. We bought the insurance so lost only 10% upon cancelation, but still....it is most disappointing. Better to be around to complain however...as my husband reminds me every time I complain. Ha!
With regard to hand sanitizer - the doc recommended hand washing first, of course, but said that any sanitizer had to be 70% alcohol for it to be effective. She recommended Aloe Vera Gel with Rubbing Alcohol if needed to be made at home. You can add a drop of an essential oil if you wanted it to be fragranced. I am sure there are many alternatives and people are quite creative when necessary so we'll find a way.
For those going on the St. Petersburg Cruise - you're going to love it. We went a few years back and thought it all wonderfully new and interesting. Do try to talk with the locals when you get a chance - fascinating perspective and interesting insights. Best wishes for a wonderful holiday and stay well.
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I think you are very wise, My CA125 keeps rising as well, also due for a scan in April. I am on Niraparib, couldn't imagine the hospital giving me enough tablets just in case I was quarantined. They are forever telling me how expensive they are. We both have the flu jab and as my husband has COPD he also has the pneumonia jab, so maybe some protection. Good luck with your scan in April, my doc keeps telling me to not worry about rising CA125 as it could be caused by anything, lets hope that's true of us both 🙋♀️ x
Whilst I don't want to panic anyone, note that Covid19 (novel coronavirus) is NOT an influenza virus; the clue's in the name 'coronavirus'; influenza is not a coronavirus, and the flu jab confers no protection. Its novel because its brand new, and there is absolutely no herd immunity to it, so we're all vulnerable, especially those of us who have existing problems (diabetes, blood pressure problems, COPD, asthma and other health conditions) and people over 60+ are more vulnerable generally. Unusually for an infection or any sort, babies and children don't seem to be particularly vulnerable, exhibiting only mild illness; this is also the case for younger, fit people, who by and large will either have a mild illness or will recover from a slightly more serious attack IF they are able to access hospital assistance (intensive care type assistance) should it be necessary; it largely depends which strain of Covid 19 they come down with. - there are two circulating , and currently, the government is either not saying, or not testing for which strain people are coming down with.
I have been brought up to remove my shoes on entering a home and washing my hands on arriving home and before eating. The only thing l do differently now is wash my hands upon entering friends houses. I am about to start 3rd line chemo so will just take all the same precautions as l did before.
Friends who work in the nhs reminded me that the uk has 66 million people, compare that to the number of confirmed cases at every
stage. The press and media have a lot to answer for in creating this panic.
Although I am not currently on chemo, my rheumy treatment does lower my immunity... so I have been thinking about this, without panicking (yet).
I am trying to avoid the bus and tube in London. I am being quite picky about events I go to. And I am washing my hands for 20 secs several times a day.
We were going to go to France in a few weeks but have decided to avoid the risk of getting stuck in some hotel... may go for the day on Eurostar instead.
Mostly I am talking to my nearest and dearest ( daughters anxious again) about sensible precautions but still having fun.
Thank you for your sensible advise, if you go I hope you enjoy Eurostar - something I have been meaning to try for ages. Don’t forget to take A little hip flask of Vodka purely for hygiene purposes of course 🤣
I am pretty paranoid as have to travel to central London for my trial every fortnight. I am on steroids and have lung and kidney complications. No hand gel to be bought anywhere. I am sitting on the train wearing a Moldex 7032 mask with P3 particulate filters and wearing nitrile gloves- it will be a long journey.
I saw this online and will be giving it a go.............
Make your own hand sanitise
All you need is Isopropyl alcohol, known as rubbing alcohol, aloe vera gel, and a bowl.
Create your own batch of sanitiser by mixing a 2/3 cup of alcohol and 1/3 cup aloe vera together.
You can mask the smell of alcohol once blended by then adding several drops of essential oil such as lavender.
Is it worth asking if you can visit your local hospital for observations/bloods and prescriptions instead? They could send the data collected to London, couldn't they?
I have constant diarrhoea with my disease and once a month buy my 4 x 9 rolls for me and the family. I bought them Aldi on Friday with wipes as no hand sanitizer. People rude as I walked around the shop look at her and that ridiculous no of toilet rolls as you say welcome to my world. Shopping is absolutely exhausting. Cannot buy paracetamol anywhere but gp has put them on perception as I take them constantly with other drugs. Good luck to everyone trying to buy things they need for their daily battle. Enjoy st Petersburg
People are so rude, ignore them. Can't imagine being attacked for buying toilet rolls like one poor women on the internet. What is the world coming to!!!
I know I've mentioned this on the forum before, but I have one of those inexpensive cold-water bidet attachments for my toilet (bought on Amazon for less than US$40, very easy to install). It really reduces my use of toilet paper and is also more cleansing and less irritating for my sensitive bits, given the excessive number of times a day I have to go due to bowel issues similar to yours. Of course that's only helpful while at home. Deb in Colorado
Been reading a lot about this Lyn as I too (like many here) am immunocompromised right now. The hand washing is most important (I am in NY--everything is crowded!) but now I have seen a few people--in the warmer weather--wearing those rubber gloves healthcare workers wear for protection while out and touching handrails, subway bars we hold on to, etc. But I also just read that opening a bathroom door when you're leaving the bathroom is a big concern and use a paper towel to do so, as well as wipe down your phone at least once--but preferably more times-- a day because you touch that with your fingers when both clean and not so clean. My oncologist also says the media has made people panic and I would be able to fight it if I were to get it. Kind of helped! oxoxoxoxo Judy
On our last cruise the toilets had signs up “use a paper towel to open this door” couldn’t seem to get through to my husband why it was necessary- think he assumed everyone washes their hands 🤣 I agree the media have a lot to answer for, nice that you have had reassurance from your team xx
I too am starting to get very concerned. I am in active treatment stage 4 ovarian and I feel like perhaps we might not be hearing everything about this virus. I am going to take my own measures myself distancing and staying in as much as possible. Luckily I haven’t had too much trouble getting the supplies I need here in the states. I’m also worried about my husband picking it up and bringing it home. I think we just need to do whatever we can do to protect ourselves at this point. You are right it’s hard because we already have so much to deal with on a day to day basis.
If you want good, solid information and daily updates, I recommend Dr. John Campbell on Youtube - he's an Immunologist currently working for the Scottish Blood Service. He's not terribly happy - he's been saying for over 4 weeks that we need to move from reactive to proactive in terms of government action, but that's not happening, obviously. At this stage, his estimate of infection rates is up to 80% eventually, so there is a need to slow down the rate of infection, otherwise vital hospital treatment to keep seriously affected people alive will not be available. A large percentage of the 80% are likely to cope well and get over it, but that's not the case for certain groups. Latest of his videos here youtu.be/4SZBuHFzYlw
As you've been advised already, vodka is no good - rubbing alcohol is usually 70% or more, so that would work to make your own sanitiser, but you might try Boots - they've started rationing their supplies of hand sanitizer so you might get some there. Bear in mind though, that very frequent use of hand sanitizer removes the lipid layer in the skin and makes it easier for the virus to hang on to the skin, so only use sanitizer when you're out and can't wash your hands with soap and water. Washing your hands properly, and DON'T touch anywhere on your face whilst outdoors is about all we can do currently, which I find really hard, my nose itches an awful lot, I sat on the tube earlier today desperate to rub my nose... Masks are not advised unless you already have the infection - they get damp as you breathe, and that means you're more rather than less likely to get the virus. Dr. Campbell suggests that men with beards/moustaches etc would do well to be clean shaven until the risk if over. At home, keep some windows open so there is good airflow.
Otherwise, this is a bit concerning - the length of time the virus can survive on skin is likely around 20 minutes (though there's a suspicion it might be longer) , on soft surfaces like your coat or gloves, probably around 8-10 hours, and on hard surfaces, up to 3 days. Disinfectants like Zoflora or Dettol, diluted correctly, are useful for hard surfaces, including doorknobs, light switches etc, but they should be applied and left in place for a couple of minutes before being wiped off. Bleach based cleaning products, antibacterial surface wipes are all good, though note the household wipes don't work on skin. If you are immuno compromised, especially for over sixties, then WHO advice is to avoid crowded places, don't go to hospital or the doctors unless unavoidable and try to keep a minimum of a metre away from other people. In fact, WHO advised 5 days ago that, if you are over 60 or in the group of people with pre-existing conditions ( cancer included) you should self isolate as far as is possible.
There are two strains of this virus - the L strain is more deadly, but slightly less infectious - the S strain is less deadly but more infectious. Both are spread by droplet infection and aerosolization (fine moisture droplets) in the air up to a distance of 3-4 feet (as far as they can tell currently). That old saying 'coughs and sneezes spread diseases' is spot on right now... The government here is not currently saying (or not testing for) which strain is circulating here currently - it could be both, or not.
As for toilet rolls, there should be no shortage - they are mostly made in the UK, Andrex certainly is, so I don't know why people are panicking about toilet paper, especially as you can manage perfectly well without it by washing instead. I'm guessing they;re imagining being forcibly isolated at home for 2 or 3 weeks - if you have kids, then they're visualizing having none,which would be a bit difficult with children.
I like the Bridlington story - there's an amusement arcade there with one of those grab machines where you try to pick up a soft toy and drop it in the chute - the enterprising owner has taken out all the soft toys and filled it with toilet rolls instead!
Ah, so you already knew all that if you've been watching Dr. Campbell! Thanks though - be interesting to see what (if anything) comes out of the COBRA meeting today. I just heard Matt Hancock say they 'might' move to the Delay phase 'in case' it spreads' - well, duh, talk about behind the curve.
My son's been exposed now, some guy in his (huge) office block came down with it yesterday, all sent home and told not to go back, so he can't visit me this weekend. He's worried I might get it from him, but since its everywhere now I'm expecting to get it anyway to be honest. For one thing, I've got a scan at the hospital on Monday, so a lot of possible exposure there... but, well, what will be will be.
The worst is, when he got home, his flatmate had also been sent home from a different office block in London for the same reason.... so now they're 'isolating' together... stable, horse and bolt spring to mind!
When I spoke to Macmillan yesterday they advised me to stay in now I had my last chemo week before last so fall in the life threatening category if I get it! Just when I thought I was able to go out! I live with my husband and teenage daughter self isolation if required will be challenging to say the least do wish I could feel better about it all if it’s not one thing it’s another!
What a pain for you... but I feel for those in the midst of chemo treatment too... One tip I didn't mention - keep some windows open at home, not wide open, but enough to maintain a good airflow. Particularly important if you have to try to isolate yourself in your bedroom or somewhere... open windows reduce the viral load, apparently. Truth is though, its very difficult to isolate yourself in a family shared home, but all we can do is our best. Good luck.. there should be some improvement in the situation past the end of March.
I think self isolation/lock down is inevitable here in the UK, as they can no longer contain the virus, I am on chemo tablets and can only get more at the hospital, so don't know how that's going to pan out. It is all very worrying.
Yes it’s not looking great I’m now just staying in just my husband and daughter to consider then not visiting anywhere and not having visitors limiting my risk as much as I can! Can’t do any other than sit tight and wait for it to be over whenever that may maybe - I have a six week check up at hospital but not planning anything apart from that - good luck with your tablets could someone else pick them up for you? Just an idea x
Your taking sensible precautions that is all any of us can do. Its not so much the collecting of the tablets, its because I have to have regular bloods done at the clinic. Think of your time at home as a mini break! get the others cleaning and cooking while you put your feet up! Good Luck x
Just wash your hands a lot. Bleach with water works for cleaning, leave on surface 5 minutes. It only can infect through eyes nose mouth. If sick wear mask if not don't. Because we touch our faces with hands a lot. Wash hands soap water. It works. Liz
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