PBC and coronavirus

[MsLibra]

PBC and coronavirus - are we more at risk?

[chrissey7]

I would like to think not but we probably are have to make sure we look after ourselves

[Ballymahon2 in reply to chrissey7]

Hope not

[ninjagirlwebb]

I think anyone with an underlying condition is more at risk. They say to use the same tactics as you would to avoid the flu. So lots of hand washing & don’t touch hands to face etc.

[Ballymahon2 in reply to ninjagirlwebb]

I think people with underlying respiratory problems such as copd cystic fibrosis are more at risk

[gwillistexas]

We are more at risk because of our compromised immune system. Many drs have already stated that. Have to be extra careful.

[Candy12]

It is said the older you are with other chronic conditions is what makes it worse.

However, I like to think that because we have an auto immune condition , we probably look after ourselves better than a lot of people and are therefore healthier in most respects, so we could stand the same or better chance as anyone else, no one really knows.

Hand washing the full twenty seconds and drying them properly is what’s important. And the cleanliness of any hand contact areas at home or when your out and about. Stay safe everyone.

[MissusTee]

I'm not worried. We have an overactive immune system it's not compromised.

[gwillistexas in reply to MissusTee]

Maybe I should have said “weakened” immune system. Yes it’s overactive but not protecting us from viruses of any type.

[gwillistexas in reply to MissusTee]

Compromised means weakened and vulnerable. Not sure why you think we’re not at risk.

[MissusTee in reply to gwillistexas]

People who have AIDS or having chemotherapy are immune compromised, autoimmune is quite different. I have 4 autoimmune conditions, and can't remember the last time that I had a cold, so my theory is that my immune system is overactive and I have no concerns whatsoever.

[gwillistexas in reply to MissusTee]

Stay well.

[MissusTee in reply to gwillistexas]

Apart from autoimmune conditions, I'm sure that I will! More people die from hunger daily than they ever will from this.

[gwillistexas in reply to MissusTee]

I understand this. But we’re talking about a virus that no one has an immunity to, not life expectancy of PBC. Have a great day!

[MissusTee in reply to gwillistexas]

There are so many diseases that we don't have natural immunity to. People are far more likely to die from cancer or heart disease. Also most people who have caught this virus have had a very weak response. There is too much media hype and project fear and as long as people wash their hands and are fairly sensible then there shouldn't be much of an issue. I saw someone use a public loo yesterday, and not wash her hands. I'd be far more likely to get ill from her spreading gastroenteritis. I just think people need to calm down and worry about the things that really matter. Take care.

[gwillistexas in reply to MissusTee]

Do you think all those people in China had a weak immune system. There are cases showing up in people who did not travel. They are saying, however, if we can avoid an outbreak during the next 2-3 weeks, we might have dodged it. And listening to a infectious disease specialist in Dallas on Friday, as far as hand washing there’s no guarantee just yet that it protects us. I will take every precaution I can. They do not know enough about coronavirus to state definites. I’m just saying we should be cautious. 😊

[mrspeffer2 in reply to gwillistexas]

Well said my dear....amazing how so many put their heads in the sand on this.

[gwillistexas in reply to MissusTee]

You’re very fortunate that you’ve not been sick. For those of us who have, we know it takes much longer to get over an illness than people with healthy immune systems. Simply because our systems are weakened.

[Hidden in reply to gwillistexas]

I agree with you Gail. In so far as the post speaks of corona virus and not all the problems in the world my experience has been that I have had few infections since diagnosis of PBC, a likely cause being the extra care I take to avoid them. The respiratory infection I did have 2 years ago made me so ill I wondered if I’d survive it. The question for me is not will millions survive an infection of corona virus: it is how can I avoid getting it or spreading it. It is all that’s within my power to do, that and share my opinion with those who ask for it.

Here’s to staying well and supporting each other through tough times. 🙂

[gwillistexas in reply to Hidden]

Hello! I’m not sick often but when I catch something, it takes probably twice as long to get over and sometimes 2 rounds of antibiotics to halfway get over it. So I totally understand about that respiratory infection. You have a good way of thinking. Yes, we should all put our health first and avoid sickness as best we can. Take care and stay well 😊

[Sydgal in reply to gwillistexas]

I agree with you , well said 👍 . I suffered from 2 episodes of pneumonia last year and my doctors both said because of my liver disease my immune system is weak.

[gwillistexas in reply to Sydgal]

G’morning. True. I saw this morning that coronavirus is more serious than previously thought. So...take care 😊🙏🏻

[gwillistexas in reply to Sydgal]

My cousin just cancelled a cruise and one of the ports was Italy. Now she’s thinking maybe Australia. I think she needs to stay away till this thing subsides. I’m off to work. Have a nice day!😊

[kizzywizzy99 in reply to MissusTee]

When I get a cold, which is a coronavirus, it hits me much harder than my friends who do not have PBC. Any infection produces toxins, which the liver has to process and eliminate, so if your liver is already compromised,it stands to reason that any disease or infection will hit harder. My doctor advises that I get the 'flu vaccination every year for this very reason.

[gwillistexas in reply to kizzywizzy99]

Agree. I’ve always taken the flu shot. And since being diagnosed with PBC, my internist said if I get the flu I’ll be in big trouble. So yes, we simply can’t fight things very well.

[mjk98 in reply to gwillistexas]

I'm afraid to take the flu shot cuz anytime I taking the flu shot I get the flu

[gwillistexas in reply to mjk98]

The only time I got sick from the flu shot was in the 70’s when it was a live vaccine. I have not had problems with flu shot for many years. Could you possibly be allergic to something in the vaccine?

[mrspeffer2 in reply to MissusTee]

Let me share a little information on this. Firstly, most of us have just more than PBC. I noticed in your previous posts that you are afflicted with several autoimmune issues and also thyroid. Thyroid and the immune system go hand in hand. I am a little baffled as to how some people think that we are some how above risk when we have an "overactive" immune system. If anything, our immune system is confused, thus the additional autoimmune diseases you listed. Gail is right in saying we need to be extra careful. The world is basically "on fire" right now and we do not know how this will effect those of us with PBC plus other issues. Perhaps we will know the outcome if one of us is exposed to this dread virus.

In the mean while, I'm taking ever precaution I can to stay well. Perhaps we all could benefit from reading some of the articles published around this issue. Be well

[MissusTee in reply to mrspeffer2]

I'm not saying that we don't need to be careful, I'm saying that I'm not overly concerned, I feel that there's far more other things to be concerned about, and if I had respiratory problems such as asthma more so, but I don't, so I'm not. My opinion!

[mrspeffer2 in reply to MissusTee]

That's exactly what you were saying....and I'm sure you know what they say about opinions!

[MissusTee in reply to mrspeffer2]

Well unless you present true evidence then that's all it ever is. I'm not sure why you and others are so worried about what I think anyway if you're so sure! Now, leave me alone.

[mrspeffer2 in reply to MissusTee]

Perhaps it's because you came across so cocky. You are right, there is no need to continue a conversation with you.

[MissusTee in reply to mrspeffer2]

I am not cocky this is MY opinion. This is a PUBLIC forum and I am entitled to share my opinion. You are aggressive and a bully, and this is not supportive of people who have all sorts of problems that you don't know about and who think coronavirus is the least of their problems. Hope that you are happy that you've made me cry. Have a nice day.

[mrspeffer2 in reply to MissusTee]

again, your opinion. And yes, it is a public forum and i was doing exactly what you were, sharing my opinion. Hope you have a great day

[mrspeffer2 in reply to mrspeffer2]

Take responsibility for your emotions.. perhaps you too stepped on some toes

[Jlruggie in reply to mrspeffer2]

Mespeffer2

Thanks for your thoughts re: corona virus. What are the articles published you are referring to?

Jlruggie

[mrspeffer2 in reply to Jlruggie]

Try googling PBC and susceptibility to illness. I read about 10 different articles yesterday under different searches. So, have fun learning. I apologize, but i did not save any, just read. If there is one I find that sparks me, I'll send it along. Be well

[Ackie123]

I work in A&E and we have people coming for corona testing . When I saw my Gastro consultant last week I asked if I was more at risk and he said no. Although i have no other health problems besides my PBC

[Hidden in reply to Ackie123]

He could better have said you are not at greater risk of getting it, but you are at greater risk of it being a serious illness for you.

[Lucky4]

We are more at risk because we have an autoimmune disorder. The American College of Cardiology put this out:

"overall the case mortality rate remains low at 2.3 % (my note: flu is 0.01%) however, the mortality rate jumps the 6 % in hypertensives, 7.3% in diabetics, 10.5% in patients with cardiovascular disease and 14.8% for patients > or = 80 years of age". The age is due to decreased helper T-cells, etc. as well age making us less likely to be able to defend against infections, etc.

So, yes, arthritis, etc. leaves us more at risk as well as co-morbidities. Also, the amount of testing being done obviously makes a huge difference. If a country does very little testing, then likely the numbers are artificially low.

We've had a trip booked to Seattle for my husband's work but due to a number of factors, we don't have trust due to the very long delays in testing. At least in Italy, South Korea, etc. you can get fast/free testing. I suspect that we'll cancel our trip (not that Canada is any great shakes either with their public health, at least there's more testing).

When I travel, I always bring double meds (meds in purse and meds in carry-on) in the event of one getting stolen. I was planning on bringing a months of meds to Seattle on the very low chance of being put on quarantine when there.

Hope all goes well, whatever your decision.

[zinchunter]

I believe that having an autoimmune disease is not at all the same as having a weak immune system.

[gwillistexas in reply to zinchunter]

Well, our immune systems are in reverse and not attacking bad entries into our system as they should. If our immune systems were functioning normally, we wouldn’t be in these messes with PBC and other autoimmune diseases. Our defense system is weak.

[zinchunter in reply to gwillistexas]

Then I stand corrected. 😒

[gwillistexas in reply to zinchunter]

Please don’t get me wrong. I wasn’t trying to prove my thoughts over yours. I am my own advocate and we all should be. I don’t claim to know everything but I do know our immune system is dysfunctional, for lack of better words. I don’t and never will, just depend on my drs to tell me everything. I research very carefully. Right now, the UK has declared the coronavirus outbreak serious and an imminent threat to public health. They’re doing better than the US who I believe has 60 confirmed cases. From what I saw on the map, out of the UK, they have 16 confirmed. I feel they are more on top of this than the US.

[zinchunter in reply to gwillistexas]

Thank you. I'm not sure that any country is ahead on this - maybe Singapore. But I guess that the dilemma is the more drastic the action the greater the panic. Stay safe.

[gwillistexas in reply to zinchunter]

Thank you. You too😊

[ninjagirlwebb]

Whatever the case may be, we know for a fact that this new coronavirus is wrecking havoc on this world. There have been instances where young healthy Chinese doctors (taking care of afflicted patients) have died from this. So while we should not let this overwhelm us with worry, we should all take precautions to stay well.

There are no hand sanitizers available on the shelves & you cant even make your own because even the rubbing alcohol can’t be found.

I feel that the US government in addition to the travel restrictions should have ensure or had a plan in place that we have enough supplies for our medical professionals & the public in general once this thing escalates.

Nope, they never learned from previous crises & continue to slash cdc & health related funding. We pay all these taxes & it is not being spent to safeguard us.

What good is the leaders telling us we should use hand sanitizers when there is none on the market. Scary...

[Hidden in reply to ninjagirlwebb]

We’re pretty much in the same boat in UK with the Minister of Health last week advising “blow your nose on a tissue and throw it away”. And another minister telling us “ coughs and sneezes spread diseases- trap your germs in a handkerchief “ 😂 And both of these men updating us today with advice to “wash your hands while singing Happy Birthday twice” !!! and his colleague saying wash them while singing the National anthem!😂🤣 With advice like this it’s fortunate for us that we’re well practiced in dealing with a rare disease that not much is known about. To governments the greatest risk of coronavirus is a massive negative impact on the economy. They haven’t acted to lessen that impact by careful management of the disease.

[ninjagirlwebb in reply to Hidden]

It is just horrible!

[gwillistexas in reply to ninjagirlwebb]

I didn’t realize the “scare” had hit my city so much. You’re right, shelves are bare for sanitizers. I bought a spray a couple weeks ago at Walmart. Sold out today, of everything. Walgreens, bare shelves. I have a big bottle at work and I’m bringing it home and get small travel bottles to fill up. 😊

[ninjagirlwebb in reply to gwillistexas]

I ordered 2 Purell giant ones from Staples & it is on back order. Hope to get them soon.

[gwillistexas in reply to ninjagirlwebb]

Oh my😕.

[Michi1]

Since I was diagnosed with PBC, it has been my experience that I don't get sick any more often than I did before, maybe less because I'm taking better care of myself, but when I do get sick I get much sicker than before and it takes longer to get better. I'm taking it seriously.

[gwillistexas in reply to Michi1]

Ditto