Self isolation

[Utgorn]

Do I assume I must self isolate? Am on 10 mg Pred and work Weds pm in primary school. Still waiting for reply from hospital helpline. Any reply appreciated. Thanks.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Do you just have PMR or do you have any other conditions? How old are you? And do you get the flu jab automatically?

[Utgorn in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks for reply. Couldn't find how to post in Coronavirus section. I'm 65, take other pills for Raynauds and hypertension. Never bothered with flu jab as trumpet player with pretty good lungs.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Utgorn]

Hypertension alone puts you into an at-risk group - beyond that you need to assess if you need to totally self-isolate or whether really strict social-distancing is adequate. I'm similar to you but am doing strict social distancing - despite OH being very high risk because of a rubbish lung just one left after surgery and radiotherapy I can't isolate as a carer or we'd starve. I haven't been close to anyone so far - good 1m or just in passing.

[Utgorn in reply to PMRpro]

Ok, thanks for that. Perhaps I'll wait for a reply from the hospital and/or ask the school. Just trying to find out if there'd been any specific nhs advice for pmr people or steroids takers, really. Good luck, hope all goes well for you both.

[Hidden in reply to Utgorn]

You just need to reply in the first place at the top of the post. Everyone can see it there.

[Susan1705]

I have PMR on 10mg and teach in a college. Was sent home yesterday along with anyone who is at potential risk. Have a phone appointment on Tuesday with GP, hopefully will get some more answers

[Hidden in reply to Susan1705]

The Dr will have no more answers than you have seen on here, or published on official websites or the news. You probably put yourself at more risk going to the surgery if called in. Your employer has been very, very responsible. I had an appt for today about another matter, but self isolating at7.5mg so cancelled it. You are better off staying home and self isolating.

[Poppylop]

Hi, I am also on 10 mg, I'm 54 work in a florists, I have pmr , also have slight asthma which hasn't given me any problems for a few years, only use a purple seretide inhaler before bed, don't use the blue or brown inhaler. It's all very confusing as to who needs to self isolate.

[Hidden in reply to Poppylop]

Anyone at risk. IE. You. I have been self isolating for almost a week and pretty much for the couple of weeks preceding. You certainly don't want to be seeing customers etc.

[Hidden]

I would ask for a phone call from your Doctor. He is best to advise as he knows your case . I should be going for blood tests and a follow up appointment with my doctor . I asked for a phone call and we have decided to not have the blood tests or see him. I am going to come down slowly and if any problems can ask for a call back just orderd more tablets in .

[Hidden]

Anyone taking steroids is considered at risk because they the steroids) compromise the immune system. It’s mentioned specifically in the Gvt advice on self isolation.

If you check yesterday’s Covid thread and look for Rose54 post, she pasted a link which takes you to the detailed Advice sheet about self isolation.

Edit to add: its more stringent than many realise. It’s not age dependent for steroids. The current thinking is to protect ALL those considered most vulnerable by isolating them as far as possible from any contact with the infection. So numbers of really ill people can be controlled, to some extent, allowing the NHS to gear up for critical beds, equipment etc. Who knows if it’ll work, but it’s a start. There is a problem; there’s no exit strategy so self isolation is likely to last quite some time...I think they’re hoping a vaccine can be developed quickly and the risk group can be vaccinated before returning to the population. It’s not perfect but the choices are few,