COVID CHAT - Tuesday 24th March STAY AT HOME.. ++... - PMRGCAuk

PMRGCAuk

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COVID CHAT - Tuesday 24th March STAY AT HOME.. +++++++++++++++++++++++PLEASE READ ALL LINKS BELOW BEFORE ASKING QUESTIONS PLEASE

161 Replies

Many of us here has got letters or texts today saying we are vulnerable due to conditions and /or treatments and need to be part of the shielded ones for at least the next 12 weeks.

The advice for those who are shielded.

gov.uk/government/publicati...

twitter.com/i/status/124143...

And if you know someone who isn't following advice, please show them.this video.

bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-northe...

This shows you who RHEUMATOLOGISTS identified who is and isn't at risk. Please DOWNLOAD the table and carefully read.

rheumatology.org.uk/news-po...

General reading covid from heronNS

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

NHS 111....Apparently you are to do a symptom quiz before dialling 111....

111.nhs.uk/

IMPORTANT......PMRpro has provided a link where you can work out your risk score.

rheumatology.org.uk/Portals...

Read more about...

The ability to reply to this post has been turned off.

161 Replies

Yep..it's a kick..had a text from NHS in the early morning for something else. , then a call from gastro re discharge. Thought I had dodge it...then it binged into my texts.

Blearyeyed profile image
Blearyeyed in reply to

Thanks for including the second link with the film from Belfast Respiratory Unit telling us to stay at home and asking for help , it really does not home how they feel and how important it is to stay at home without any hysteria or fuss . They are working hard but they are frightened for Us .

in reply toBlearyeyed

Was going to edit to say your suggestion but dropped off. Thanks I think it says it.

jinasc profile image
jinasc

It shows someone, whom you do not know, cares xxx

in reply tojinasc

I believe in people or I want to. Let's hope people realise. My sister got stuck in a traffic jam on the way home from work..the queue at Macdonald's.

Rosbud profile image
Rosbud in reply to

My Grandson works for McDonald’s and he said here it was absolutely manic , all day yesterday , I just despair x

in reply toRosbud

People will honestly suffer withdrawal symptoms.

Suet3942 profile image
Suet3942 in reply toRosbud

My grandson works there as well. They’ve been closed for 2 days now. Thought they all were,

in reply toSuet3942

Didn't they leave drive thrus open

Rosbud profile image
Rosbud in reply to

Only until 7oclock last night, now closed x

I am going to pretend I want to stay home...😴😴😴

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

Though BoJo's announcement just now should help a lot ...

in reply toPMRpro

Fingers crossed...🤞🤞

Surely people realise that government's don't shut everything down for nothing.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to

You'd hope ...

scats profile image
scats in reply toPMRpro

But how many of those that need to were listening?

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply toscats

We'll see ...

in reply toscats

See above re Macdonald's queue 30mins or so before.

scats profile image
scats in reply to

So many rely on takeaway now. Some new flats don't have cooking facilities

diana1998 profile image
diana1998 in reply toscats

Not even an oven and hob?

scats profile image
scats in reply todiana1998

I saw it on TV once, more or less somewhere to sleep and make a drink. For city workers that expect to eat out, mainly young and single.

TheMoaningViolet profile image
TheMoaningViolet in reply toscats

Hi scats, I am not sure where you live or what programme you saw, but such dwellings are not built in the UK. We have very strict housing regulation which requires you to provide kitchens in all new accommodation. So hopefully most people have at least minimal cooking and food storage facilities. That is if they have a home in the first place.

scats profile image
scats in reply toTheMoaningViolet

I do hope you're right. I think the one I saw had a kettle and a microwave could always be added. You may well know better than me, I'm not an expert.

in reply toTheMoaningViolet

Rented rooms often have old plates and room for a kettle and microwave. I know of unscrupulous landlords in rented room that get checked with equipment in then remove it. I have had it happen to me. A while ago 90s, yes but those houses are still there and rented out.

diana1998 profile image
diana1998 in reply toscats

Gosh.. Where are you?

scats profile image
scats in reply todiana1998

Nowhere near me these were pied a terre type flats for city workers, I think in Manchester. See MoaningViolet's reply above she sounds more informed.

in reply todiana1998

I was in York, Sheffield Middlesbrough...in all. Students expect more now so those places are probably rented to those on housing benefit.

in reply todiana1998

And many don't know HOW to cook for themselves. I had trainee drs at my house to do a training task re coping with chronic illness and one was eating pot noodles. I use to teach at university level and I would say 30% seemed to know how to cook a full healthy meal. Not just throw a pizza in the oven. All children should be taught how to put food in their mouths without relying on takeaway.

Blearyeyed profile image
Blearyeyed in reply toscats

The point that I was making to my OH. Unless they also showed it in full on Facebook or Instagram it may miss the young. And choosing to put it on at 8.30 means many older people who needed the warning will have been in bed. I know my Uncle and Aunt go up at 7 and turn off by 8 .

in reply toBlearyeyed

My brain is in poopadooyland so night all. Stay safe.

Safety first. 🤪

Constance13 profile image
Constance13 in reply toBlearyeyed

Wow! We are in our 80s and don't go up till 11pm.

in reply toConstance13

And you stay in bed for 12hours!!!!!🤫😉

Constance13 profile image
Constance13 in reply to

Well.... not TWELVE! OH brings me tea in at 7.30, I then wash and dress into comfortable day clothes. He brings breakfast at 8.30. (You have nooo idea how hard my life is).😂😂😂 I then read until 9.30/10!

in reply toConstance13

🤣😂🤣

in reply toBlearyeyed

I hope not bee but suspect there are quite a few stratching their heads why they can get a bus this morning.

dillydally1 profile image
dillydally1

I am on 7mg prednisolone at the moment but I have not received text or letter to-day. is it a certain dose that makes you more vulnerable , thanks x

in reply todillydally1

It's people above or equal to 5mg pred over 4 weeks with one or more immune suppressant and/or other conditions. So if you don't fit you are staying home...emergency shopping and chemists etc.

dillydally1 profile image
dillydally1 in reply to

thanks, I also take hydroxychloroquine which I have heard is being tested to see if it can help help covid 19 x

Whitner profile image
Whitner in reply todillydally1

Yes! In the US it’s being tried.

dillydally1 profile image
dillydally1 in reply toWhitner

fingers crossed it will be helpful x

in reply toWhitner

To treat rather than prevent I understand but anyone can correct..

sciencemag.org/news/2020/03...

Whitner profile image
Whitner in reply to

Yes as a treatment. I’ve read it’s been effective in France and heard a man in California was treated successfully.

in reply toWhitner

I just downloaded a table from WHO of drugs being tried globally. I will try and get it linked at some point.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply toWhitner

Trials all over the world - not just the US.

in reply todillydally1

Its one of many drugs that are being used to test in treatment rather than prevent I think (?). But in terms of the covid risk groups you are low risk group for pred and hydroxychloroquine, though if you had another at risk condition it bumps you up. If you haven't had a letter yet or a text then so far so good in term of self isolation but they are giving themselves until Sunday 29th to finalise. Don't forget the STAY AT HOME protocols apply to all.

dillydally1 profile image
dillydally1 in reply to

i certainly will stay at home, hopefully if everyone does this the virus can slow down, I am in the UK.

I live in a retirement apartment on the first floor and have a small jack Russell which is difficult. also we don't have our own washing machine, there are two communal washers and two dryers for 40 apartments. I am now hand washing my laundry.

ANYONE ELSE IN RETIREMENT APARTMENT, x

in reply todillydally1

Hidden is in an apartment block so I would presume have similar issues as anyone in other blocks.

jsheard profile image
jsheard in reply todillydally1

I’m on 7mg too and haven’t received anything

in reply tojsheard

If you are only on 7mg, no other immune suppressants or conditions on the list on the gov website then you need to stay at home except for emergency shopping etc. You should read the links above.

dillydally1 profile image
dillydally1 in reply tojsheard

so we have to self isolate and social distance at our discretion, take care x

in reply todillydally1

Yes. But still only one exercise..walk..a day and only shops for food and meds. Social distance.🌻

dillydally1 profile image
dillydally1 in reply to

yes will do one short dog walk a day and will use the apartments private garden downstairs for toilet purposes. (for the dog of course) haha x

in reply todillydally1

😂🤣😂 take my dog by sending her a picture in your imagination...that's her picture..

dillydally1 profile image
dillydally1 in reply to

love your dog she looks so lovely with her hat on , we just have the jack Russell now, right of picture, xx

in reply todillydally1

Aaww bless

dillydally1 profile image
dillydally1 in reply to

just been told we are not allowed to use the large private gardens around our apartments for our dog meg to go to the toilet, (even though we use doggy bags) seemingly some of the residents wouldn't like it!!!

in reply todillydally1

Ohhh tell them you will spray soapy water on the grass afterwards🤪. Early doors or late doors then.

dillydally1 profile image
dillydally1 in reply to

talk about people coming together at times of need, I pay garden maintenance and ground rent like everyone else here, rant over, xx

in reply todillydally1

People can be petty ...

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply todillydally1

If you are on under 10mg pred per day and with no other immunosuppressants OR other qualifying conditions such as asthma, raised BP, cardiovascular disease then you may not get a message/letter.

On this scoring grid which is what the rheumatologists were using to classify patients:

rheumatology.org.uk/Portals...

you get a 2 for the pred, 0 for the hydroxychlorquine and that means:

Score of 2: patients to self-isolate or maintain social distance at their discretion

You may not get a letter on the basis of that, especially since everyone is to do something inbetween anyway.

in reply toPMRpro

👍..linked in post.

Highlandtiger profile image
Highlandtiger in reply toPMRpro

Thanks - this is very helpful.

dillydally1 profile image
dillydally1 in reply toPMRpro

many thanks, really helpful, everyone stay safe, thinking of you all xx

Caradomben profile image
Caradomben in reply toPMRpro

So does that mean if you are in 10 mg prednisolone and have hypertension you add the scores which makes it 3

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply toCaradomben

I suspect so yes - hypertension in itself makes you high risk, longterm pred at 10 or above will add in poor adrenal function in emergency situations. I don't feel I can contact my tame rheumies - who are busy doing things other than rheumatology!

Whitner profile image
Whitner in reply toPMRpro

Thanks for posting this. Helps me in US too!

Coffeebeans profile image
Coffeebeans

I had a phone call from rwheumatology tosay to let me know that I'm high risk group due to being on 20mg pred. He said new guidance in yesterday put anyone over 20mg in the high risk group (as defined in the UK).

Don't have anything to evidence this and I doubt I will get a letter soon given my GP will be right behind the curve as I'm fairly newly diagnosedand they are not up to date on my current dose.

What a time to develop a condition like this.

in reply toCoffeebeans

It is. Sadly the 20 plus people as on the lists. RHEUMATOLOGISTS list of at risk above.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply toCoffeebeans

See the link I posted above - the scoring for rheumy patients.

maria40 profile image
maria40 in reply toPMRpro

Does the cumulative does count in any way? I'm currently on 12.5 but have been taking steroids for 20 years, mostly at around 5mg.

in reply tomaria40

It's seem to me on the tables I saw 4 weeks was mentioned.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to

I assume that means either that you do not become immunocompromised on short term pred or it is associated with adrenal function being inadequate in response to overwhelming infection.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply tomaria40

Not that I have seen - except long term use of pred above 5-7.5mg will maybe have compromised adrenal function and that will be critical in the event of serious illness.

in reply toPMRpro

Yes I was thinking 12.5m might be at least s dose that save the borderline adrenal issues. 7.5mg and a dmard is worst of both!!

maria40 profile image
maria40 in reply toPMRpro

I've just spoken to GP surgery and had it confirmed that I'm in an increased rather then high risk group. I did mention SVT but the receptionist didn't seem to know anything about that. So I'll continue to self isolate and only venture out a few metres to empty rubbish and get some fresh air.

Tabby124 profile image
Tabby124 in reply toCoffeebeans

My GP said today that 20 mg is high risk but when you taper your dose down you move out of the high risk group

in reply toTabby124

Yes. But you still have to stay home and social distance if you shop only for food and meds, which probably in the long run will put you at less risk.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply toTabby124

And enter a merely increased to high risk group according to the BSR documentation we have mentioned. Like everyone else you need to stay at home and avoid contact with everyone else outside your household - even family members living in another house.

Tabby124 profile image
Tabby124 in reply toPMRpro

Yes agree. My teenage children are staying with their Dad and I’m self isolating for 12 weeks. Ex husband is dropping off food and medication. My GP said it’s worth it to keep safe

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply toTabby124

My daughter can't even do that - their dad was on the Braemar and is under a 2 week quarantine after being away for 4 weeks because of that fiasco. Once he's finished that I don't see work being very helpful about more time off - he's a paramedic!

Tabby124 profile image
Tabby124 in reply toPMRpro

Gosh. That sounds tough for them all and

a paramedic too. Wishing them well.

Lola5670 profile image
Lola5670

Am on 12.5mg should I contact gp as have not heard anything, thanks

in reply toLola5670

Not unless you are on another immunosuppressant or an at risk condition. See the links above.

Lola5670 profile image
Lola5670 in reply to

Thank you for replying to me, am keeping indoors anyway as is hubby who will only now go our corner shop to get essentials. Please take care of yourself xxx

in reply toLola5670

You can look at the post about risk score to check too. Take care.

Pollyanna16 profile image
Pollyanna16

I have not heard from the surgery & maybe I won’t. I have Adrenal Insufficiency & take between 4-5mg pred daily. Upped to 5mg 2 weeks ago as had sore throat & sleeping deeply(very unusual for me!). Do you think I am “Vulnerable “ . I have always been told to double my dose if ill or having surgery but from what I’ve read here Pred makes you more vulnerable. Advice would be reassuring. Thank you x

in reply toPollyanna16

Maybe as well as reading the links in the post you might see if there are other site/forums for adrenal insufficiency and Addison's..though bear in mind some of their advice not all addisons advice applies to you.

Pollyanna16 profile image
Pollyanna16 in reply to

Thankyou I’ll do that x

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply toPollyanna16

addisonsdisease.org.uk/news...

You should be stringently social distancing but not necessarily self-isolating as I understand that.

Pollyanna16 profile image
Pollyanna16 in reply toPMRpro

Thank you so much PMRpro. Very useful for my husband to read & made sure I have my steroid card & prescription list in my wallet. I must say having been reasonably relaxed up till now the stress levels have mounted hugely having read all that but I know it has to cover people with Addisons which I don’t have. Shortly I will put on my lovely pilates teacher’s new video & BREATH! Thinking about getting in touch with the endocrinologists dept but suspect they will be overloaded x

in reply toPollyanna16

Doing some breathing and keeping nice and relaxed especially important.🌻

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply toPollyanna16

Probably learning how to run a ventilator! We have neurologists working in ICU in Bergamo! Rather outside their usual duties ...

Pollyanna16 profile image
Pollyanna16 in reply toPMRpro

Absolutely!

maria40 profile image
maria40 in reply toPMRpro

I have heard of dentists being asked if they were prepared to assist here with respiratory treatments.

GOOD_GRIEF profile image
GOOD_GRIEF in reply tomaria40

Here they're being asked to donate their protective gear.

HeronNS profile image
HeronNS in reply toGOOD_GRIEF

In Canada they are trying to find all the places where there may be large quantities of suitable masks. They mentioned salons, contractors, dentists of course, a few other possible sources which one would never really think of. I suppose even artists might have a few unused masks stashed away.

Marcy47 profile image
Marcy47

I didn't get a letter or text yesterday. Does that mean 7mg of Pred is not a problem with this virus? Can't get through to Dr to ask him, but been indoors for a week so may as well carry on.

in reply toMarcy47

You still need to follow stay at home protocols. The lists of vulnerable and at risk people is in the RHEUMATOLOGIST DOWNLOAD above. 🌻

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply toMarcy47

If you are on under 10mg pred per day and with no other immunosuppressants OR other qualifying conditions such as asthma, raised BP, cardiovascular disease then you may not get a message/letter.

On this scoring grid which is what the rheumatologists were using to classify patients:

rheumatology.org.uk/Portals...

you get a 2 for the pred,

Score of 2: patients to self-isolate or maintain social distance at their discretion

You may not get a letter on the basis of that, especially since everyone is to do something inbetween anyway.

in reply toPMRpro

I have put the risk score in post but suspect you will be linking all day.

Marcy47 profile image
Marcy47 in reply toPMRpro

+1 for being over 70 =3

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply toMarcy47

Then you stay at home and refuse to allow anyone else in the house.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply toMarcy47

And I gather you can apply online via this link if you live in England

coronavirus-vulnerable-peop...

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane

Can I just ask if amending our posts is not allowed? I just tried and a red message said that my permissions for this action had been removed. Confused!

in reply toSheffieldJane

Post regarding covid and the recent letters te covid have been turned off to make sure info in one place. We have been doing that for a week where possible . Sometimes we miss one. If you have comment question to a specific person try a pm? I was in the process of turning one off and between doing it and it being done your comment must have been posted on on thread. 🌻😁

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane in reply to

That makes sense. Sorry, first post in days and I ruin the efficient ship ( been watching old films with John Mills, I find him reassuring.) in Which We Serve “ An Efficient Ship is a Happy Ship”.

in reply toSheffieldJane

Love it...noel coward,.

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane in reply to

Celia Johnson too, I need to channel her. I love This Happy Breed.

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer in reply toSheffieldJane

Do you mean original post or reply? Just edited a post of mine okay! And this

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane in reply toDorsetLady

A reply but on reflection maybe in the wrong place. I have been ill with a cold, streaming nose, aching and even an occasional cough ( quite alarming for us at present). So it was my first attempt to join the flow and may have missed a lot and not be particularly efficient.

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer in reply toSheffieldJane

Sometimes I find system doesn’t always accept response straightaway - and you’re left wondering what’s going on! Then it suddenly comes up with message “successfully edited” or some such wording.

Hope you soon feel better. ❤️

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane in reply toDorsetLady

Thank you so much! Does everybody know about the simple questionnaire on the NHS 111 site, where you answer questions about your symptoms and are told what to do? I used it on Sunday night because I had a temperature and was told to self isolate. It would be interesting to know the advice had my symptoms been worse. I honestly wasn’t sure of the action if you are clearly pretty ill with Covid 19.

in reply toSheffieldJane

If you have the link..pop it up...

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer in reply toSheffieldJane

What do you mean - from their advice online? I thought they would follow up if you’re really ill with virus....or you would hope they would - do they ask for other issues and/or medication to check if you’re in the “at risk” group.

in reply toDorsetLady

You are supposed to go online and do it before you 111. Just seen on TV 🤪

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to

Jane was doing it online I think.

Haven’t looked at it, so if you don’t get the answers online, you then have to ring?

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane in reply toDorsetLady

Just where are you, do you have a fever, do you have a cough etc. Then you get your advice, no questions about underlying conditions when I was sent to bed, I mean isolation where I am already.

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer in reply toSheffieldJane

‘Sent to bed” - you sound like a naughty child 🤣😂🤣. Not as good as it could be then!

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane in reply toDorsetLady

You could say that, we are grounded. Maybe the post code is a factor too. I suspect that the answer is “ self isolate” whatever you put. I didn’t experiment in case they came to get me sirens blazing.

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane in reply toSheffieldJane

Here it is - interactive:

111.nhs.uk/

in reply toSheffieldJane

Thanks....will boost up the line

in reply toDorsetLady

I have been doing a long post several times and got the oops.....page no longer exists or replies off when I look. 😤

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to

Very annoying!

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane

Annoying - I always think it’s me - it often is in my case!

Cyclegirl54 profile image
Cyclegirl54

Thanks for providing this info 🌸🌸

Sorop profile image
Sorop

Hi I wish I had a hair cut before this isolation we are all going to have pony tails, buns or elegant chignons by the end of this 👳‍♀️ Stay safe.

in reply toSorop

I am going for the miss havisham look.

Sorop profile image
Sorop in reply to

Love the image, maybe we will all have cobwebs as well.

HeronNS profile image
HeronNS in reply toSorop

There's a hilarious pic going the rounds of FB at the moment of a woman saying when all the hairdressers are off, but your dog groomer has an opening, and a picture of her looking rather like a chocolate poodle!

Yellowbluebell profile image
Yellowbluebell in reply toSorop

I am considering the yeti look!!

HeronNS profile image
HeronNS in reply toYellowbluebell

mine will be more Old English Sheepdog!

HeronNS profile image
HeronNS in reply toSorop

It's not really that long since I had my hair cut but it is growing faster than ever. Spring is here!

Daisyfield profile image
Daisyfield

The Belfast respiratory unit video is the most powerful advice out there. Calm. Realistic. Reassuring. No pretence. These workers are just incredible.

Rose54 profile image
Rose54

What a really weird day

Son was up before me at 7,30am never happened before

So silent outside really spooky

Had my exercise for the day

Dug the garden and planted 5 rows of potatoes not done that for a long time

Rest can wait till tomorrow depending on weather and how I feel

Washed all shopping my Son kindly got for me today

He said shops had in place social distancing measures in Poundland and Morrisons and where very quite .

New way of living

Suppose we better get used to it.

Well lunch done now off to make Quiche for tea as he manged to get Salad bits .

May make scones tomorrow most likely to end up looking like biscuits but I will have a go .

Take Care everyone

kulina profile image
kulina

This is very informative! Thank you Poopadoopy. Stay safe.

in reply tokulina

It's a joint effort by all involved. Thanks and you stay safe too. 🌻

Caradomben profile image
Caradomben

I think I m in the shielding group. On 9mg pred. With high blood pressure . I live alone in a flat . Could I still go outside the flat for fresh air if there is no one around .

HeronNS profile image
HeronNS in reply toCaradomben

I've just been reading the categories and it sounds like shielded group includes people who are in a precarious condition. If you are otherwise strong I don't think there would be a problem you going out. We are being told that fresh air and exercise is important. But, yes, observe the physical distancing scrupulously and wash your hands when you go inside again!

in reply toCaradomben

If you get self isolating/shielded letter etc. You must stay at home. I may try the garden in a few weeks but it says you can open a window...I have to let the dog out and like I say once things settle I may try the more secluded area of my garden but bear in mind the virus sticks to surfaces so you have no idea where and what is contaminated. . Keep reading the daily chats for updated information. But you can fill in the risk score and enter your details online on the risk score post by pmrpro. Stay home stay safe.

HeronNS profile image
HeronNS in reply toCaradomben

Are you able to leave without encountering people in any of the other flats? I live in a condo building and as no one seems to be doing more than collecting their mail or walking their dogs (lots of dog owners here, building has 100 units) I hardly ever see anyone. Wrap up well, wear gloves, and get some sunshine if you can. If you see anyone else in the hallway, don't go past them, wait.

The most common method of transmission is through droplets, hence the instruction to stay at least 2 metres away from everyone else. We all now know how to protect ourselves from contaminated surfaces. Wash hands, don't touch your face. Protecting yourself from invisible droplets is more problematic. But psychological health is also important and will be good for your immune system. But if the law is you can't go out, then so be it. This too shall pass!

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply toCaradomben

Have you had a message yet? What makes you think you are in that group? How old are you? Age is also a factor to add in.

It isn't just not meeting someone - especially when you live in a flat. Others use the lift and the stairs, especially the handrail, so the virus may be anywhere and that is where the risk lies. It has now been found the virus can survive for up to 17 days on metal and plastic and experts are beginning to realise the "smear" contagion is significant - that is what you pick form surfaces when you go out and the main reason patients in the shielding group are told to stay at home.

Caradomben profile image
Caradomben in reply toPMRpro

Have not had a letter. I live in Scotland . I am on 9mgs prednisolone . Tapering 1 mg month . I also paroxysmal AF and hypertension

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply toCaradomben

No, my daughter and her friends haven't either. I hope it comes soon.

HeronNS profile image
HeronNS in reply toCaradomben

I'm sure I read somewhere that the letters would be rolling out up to the 30th?

in reply toCaradomben

You need to fill in the risk score and register to see if you are in the vulnerable group before you decide anything.

rheumatology.org.uk/Portals...

in reply toCaradomben

Perhaps filling this in may help. It allows you to register to see if you are considered vulnerable.

gov.uk/coronavirus-extremel...

GOOD_GRIEF profile image
GOOD_GRIEF

I came across this article this morning. I think this important for people to know, but I don/t want to cause a panic.

The CDC has found that the virus can live on surfaces for up to 17 days, which they found out by looking at the cruise ships where so many passengers got sick.

msn.com/en-us/health/health...

in reply toGOOD_GRIEF

We are posting tonight/tomorrow as a daily chat gg

GOOD_GRIEF profile image
GOOD_GRIEF in reply toGOOD_GRIEF

For disinfecting, you'd be better off with a bleach, alcohol or peroxide solution than soap and water. You need less liquid to accomplish disinfecting of foods and packages. Apply with paper towels and allow to air dry. No need to rinse. Double bag the paper towels for disposal. (Yes, I know, environmental concerns. This is an emergency.)

for bleach - 1/4 cup to 1 gallon water

for alcohol - 60% alcohol 40% water

for peroxide - 50% peroxide 50% water

Never mix the agents together. Note that each can cause damage to some surfaces and countertops. Try to wear gloves, because the solutions can be drying. But if you can't, moisturize after. You can use plastic bags to substitute for gloves, and them toss them, too.

HeronNS profile image
HeronNS in reply toGOOD_GRIEF

Why do you say these are all better than soap as we have repeatedly been told to use soap, including a soapy cloth to wipe door handles and so on?

HeronNS profile image
HeronNS in reply toGOOD_GRIEF

You have an alcohol percentage next to peroxide?

Also for hand sanitizer we are told that we need at least 60% alcohol so how can diluting that with water remain effective? I am concerned about these instructions. Can you give a link where you found them? Please and thank you.

in reply toHeronNS

Can we play nicely all. Thanks.

HeronNS profile image
HeronNS in reply to

Sorry, I was just trying to get accuracy and clarity. I shall reword. Was in a hurry because I have hungry mouths to feed.

in reply toHeronNS

That's fine...done it myself. Was just checking.

GOOD_GRIEF profile image
GOOD_GRIEF in reply toHeronNS

Thanks for pointing out my error. I edited the line in the post.

I'm simply passing along info from the USA. You should do what you think is best.

Not everything is suited to be doused with loads of soap and water. One can use any of these solutions for cleaning produce or packages or surfaces, as none of them have enough chemical in them to harm you unless you're drinking them.

HeronNS profile image
HeronNS in reply toGOOD_GRIEF

Yes I'd read that the virus can live on some surfaces rather longer than originally thought. Whatever, we have to wash our hands anyway because at the moment there is always going to be the possibility of a fresh deposit so I'm not sure this news really means we have to change the habits we are already being told to develop.

GOOD_GRIEF profile image
GOOD_GRIEF in reply toHeronNS

Sadly, not everyone is "developing the habits"...

HeronNS profile image
HeronNS in reply toGOOD_GRIEF

I'm not going to panic. Whether the surface was contaminated 17 or 2 days ago, I won't know and have to wash my hands (or not if I'm that other person) anyway. What it may mean is that the 14 self isolation is a bit short, but I think we knew that already because I've read that there may be an outside chance of transmitting the disease as long as 27 days, I wonder how long the quarantine lasted for covid-19 positive individuals in Taiwan? nationalpost.com/health/how...

GOOD_GRIEF profile image
GOOD_GRIEF in reply toHeronNS

My stupid POTUS is speculating about shutting down self-isolation and social distancing so everyone can go back to work.

Meanwhile, NYC has 15,000 cases and the rate is doubling every 2-3 days.

HeronNS profile image
HeronNS in reply toGOOD_GRIEF

I heard that. He's insane.

HeronNS profile image
HeronNS

It's possible in a pinch that even a homemade mask or a scarf of tightly woven fabric fitting close to the face works better than nothing to filter out virus particles. Might be a level of protection to help in a situation where you are in the great outdoors, or a sparcely populated supermarket.

medscape.com/viewarticle/92...

I plan to make a supermarket run later this week, hopefully during an hour set apart for seniors and high risk folk, and may use a scarf to cover my mouth and nose while I'm in the store.

Raven1955 profile image
Raven1955 in reply toHeronNS

Yes, it certainly has to be better than nothing. I know there are many sewing groups that are producing masks for medical staff because hospitals, especially rural ones in the USA, have virtually no inventory of protective gear and are able to get precious little.

Our daughter is lead nurse at a small hospital in northern Maine. The virus has been slow to reach their area and she's thankful because it's giving them some time to prepare as best they can. She said contractors, welders and others have been dropping off masks at the hospital. Virus may well be in the area but they have zero test kits.

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