Corona virus

[SharonM69]

Are we with pBC at risk if we get Corona virus?

[butterflyEi]

The PBC Foundation has presented an up to date (4 March 2020) statement which can be found on their web site pbcfoundation.org.uk/news/l...

For myself I believe that I am for all my moans a fairly healthy specimen relative to my PBC so my level of worry for the risk of CoV-19 is low. I am also a great hand washer, my profession prior to my retirement required me to wash my hands often so I am quite used to the 20 second hand wash although having watched the recent recommended hand wash technique I know there is room for improvement.

On Wednesday I will be embarking on a journey leaving a virus free area to return to the UK. I will be taking with me one hand sanitzer, some detol wipes to clean my seating area and some alcohol purchased in the pharmacy and of course I will wash my hands often. I will not be wearing a mask as I still have the "itch" around the lower half of my face and I do not want to increase the chances of touching my face and from what I unerstand from the media it really is no helpful barrier.

CoV-19 seems to be a virus of the upper respiratory system so people with illnesses such as COPD, heart disease, people who are undergoing chemo/radio therapy and post transplant patients are probably more at risk than any of the general population, but it is best you read the official line being taken by the PBC Foundation as there is so much mis information being shared.

I hope you and all of us PBC sufferers stay well.

[ninjagirlwebb in reply to butterflyEi]

You should stock up on the hand sanitizers & Detol wipes if available in the virus free zone. In the US, all the shelves are bare...can’t buy any at reasonable prices. Not sure what the availability will be like in UK.

[Sandymh in reply to ninjagirlwebb]

Same here in UK. People gone overboard and shelves are empty of all handwash, toilet rolls and Pasta 😠

[butterflyEi in reply to ninjagirlwebb]

good advice ninjagirlwebb , thank you

here hand sanitizers are out of stock but I have detol wipes for the journey as well, its a large pack and as I have bleach back in the UK I don't think I will buy to much, better the locals have their availability. The stores will do their best to restock and the ingenuity of man will find a way through I am sure.

[gwillistexas in reply to ninjagirlwebb]

Our major grocery store chain, Brookshires and Sams Club have sent notifications that they are working steady to keep needed items stocked. They did say the hand sanitizers are a challenge but I’ve been able to get plenty at Walmart. So far, I’ve not found much of a problem. Depends which store I go to. Praying we all get through this. Take care

😊🙏🏻

[ninjagirlwebb in reply to gwillistexas]

Lucky you can get the hand sanitizer; stock up on a few before it becomes crazy. By the time, I realized that I should get some...there were none to be found. I have no time to scour.

[gwillistexas in reply to ninjagirlwebb]

I have 3 large bottles and I’ll refill my small one from those. Glad I got them when I did. Good luck 😊

[ninjagirlwebb in reply to gwillistexas]

I have permission to WFH until things blows over. So hand sanitizer is not as relevant. I have little 2 oz hand sanitizer sprays. I am not going out much unless I need supplies so I am good to go.

[gwillistexas in reply to ninjagirlwebb]

I know you are in a very scary situation in California. We have 3 positives announced on the news this morning. 1 is serious. So I’m in rare mode. Have had slightly sore throat for a few days and my imagination went the wrong way, lol! I am in a one girl office so I’ve got it pretty good as far as working around people. I’m keeping everyone in my prayers. 😊🙏🏻

[ninjagirlwebb in reply to gwillistexas]

I am out here in coronavirus hotbed in NYC, not Cali! 😢 That one lawyer in New Rochelle infected a lot of people. This is very nerve wrecking for us all. You have to do the social distancing thing.

[gwillistexas in reply to ninjagirlwebb]

Oops! For some reason thought California. Oh that changes things for sure. I know you’re taking all precautions. Prayers with you😊🙏🏻

[SharonM69 in reply to ninjagirlwebb]

I have become very ill with flu symptoms and the worst painful cough ever. I have been told to self isolate by the NHS. They didn't even ask my age or medical history.

[ninjagirlwebb in reply to SharonM69]

Oh no...can’t they test you to see if it is the flu. Did they at least prescribed meds for your symptoms. I hope it dissipates soon. If it gets worse, go straight to urgent care?!!Take good care of yourself!

[SharonM69 in reply to ninjagirlwebb]

No. They aren't testing people any more only the really sick people, so I don't know if I have or or not it's ridiculous. The government have got is so wrong I think x

[ninjagirlwebb in reply to SharonM69]

The medical health system is not equipped to handle even the flu season so this coronavirus is overwhelming it.

Drink lots of liquids & rest. Gargle with warm salt water-it’s antibacterial. Drink tea w/honey & lemon. I wish you a speedy recovery!

[gwillistexas in reply to ninjagirlwebb]

I agree. I thought flu was first thing they test to rule out. We never know.

[ninjagirlwebb in reply to gwillistexas]

The NHS is overwhelmed as it is so they don’t have the resources to be thorough. Will be worse when Brexit is in full effect because a lot of the medical staff are from other EU nations. Not sure how that will pan out for the UK.

[gwillistexas in reply to ninjagirlwebb]

Not good. Especially at a time like this.

[loufish in reply to ninjagirlwebb]

Sorry but I think the nhs is and will cope as well if not better than b m any other countries health systems ... we all have to do our bit to stay as well as we can and follow advise but to make statements like that is not helpful imho.

Stay safe!!!

[ninjagirlwebb in reply to loufish]

I agree totally! America totally is unprepared for this! We have a BS president & a very bifurcated healthcare system. It won’t be pretty.

My statements are just what I’ve seen reported or read...by no means am I trying to minimize your health systems.

[gwillistexas in reply to SharonM69]

So sorry. Prayers for you. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[VeeWat in reply to SharonM69]

Do you have fever?

[SharonM69 in reply to VeeWat]

Hello. I was poorly. I had all the symptoms but wasn't short of breath. All better now apart from the cough. I wish I knew if it was the virus though.

[VeeWat in reply to SharonM69]

In future you can ask for an antibody test. That’s what I want. If positive you won’t need the vaccine.

[VeeWat in reply to SharonM69]

Do you have flu?

[SharonM69 in reply to VeeWat]

No I wasn't bed ridden. But I had the worst cough it was so painful in my chest. I had the body aches and a blocked nose too. All better now. I just wish I knew if I've had it or not

[ninjagirlwebb in reply to SharonM69]

Glad you are better! Stay well!

[Ballymahon2]

Yep

[Stub007]

My gastroenterologist says my PBC Stage 3 doesn’t make me more vulnerable, although my age (81) does.

[Ballymahon2]

Yes

[exhippie]

Here's an article that suggests that at least some deaths from COVID 19 may be caused by overactive immune response!! vox.com/2020/3/12/21176783/... I've been finding it really hard to find good information about PBC and COVID 19. Perhaps no one really knows.