Vulnerability

[Koalajane]

I work in a supermarket, on checkouts so behind a Perspex screen, wear a face mask and use sanitising gel and wash my hands whenever I can. I am provided with wipes to wipe down. I am on 4.25mg of prednisolone and feel very safe especially as the store is quiet at the moment. My son keeps telling me I should not be working as I am vulnerable. I also have type 2 diabetes which is in remission. How vulnerable am I?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

This is what Bupa says -

“What does ‘vulnerable’ mean?

People who are vulnerable include those who are:

70 and over

under 70 with an underlying health condition

pregnant

Which underlying conditions does this include?

You’re vulnerable if you have:

long-term (chronic) asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema or bronchitis

chronic heart disease, such as heart failure

chronic kidney disease

chronic liver disease, such as hepatitis

chronic neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease (MND), multiple sclerosis (MS), a learning disability or cerebral palsy

diabetes

problems with your spleen – for example, sickle cell disease or if you’ve had your spleen removed

a weakened immune system as the result of conditions such as HIV and AIDS, or medicines such as steroid tablets or chemotherapy

a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above (you’re seriously overweight)

What should vulnerable people do to protect themselves?

If you’re vulnerable, follow the social distancing rules that apply to everyone but follow them more strictly.

This means to significantly limit your face-to-face contact with friends and family.

Social distancing guidelines advise the following.

Don’t interact with anyone who has symptoms of coronavirus (high temperature and/or a new continuous cough).

Don’t use public transport unless you absolutely have to.

Work from home if possible.

Avoid large and small gatherings in public spaces.

Don’t meet up with your friends and family. Keep connected in other ways.

Use the phone if you need to contact your GP or use online services.”

You say you have diabetes- but it’s in remission - so is/was it steroid induced diabetes?

Your current level of Pred is quite low, but depends what doses you have been on over last 6-12 months.

It’s your choice of course, but I can understand where your son is coming from... and maybe depends where you live.

[Koalajane in reply to DorsetLady]

I live in Shrewsbury where numbers are not as high as many places. Yes diabetes was steroid induced and my hba1c is now 37.I have been on 5mg or lower for the last year mostly on 4,5mg.

Thanks for your reply

[MrsNails]

Keep Safe Jane ❤️ Our Numbers are rising rapidly in Telford, they want everyone in certain areas to get Tested!

Take Care x

[Koalajane in reply to MrsNails]

Thanks Angela I am and if cases go up as much here as they have in Telford I may ask to take time off

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Koalajane]

I think that would be very sensible 🌸

[1Unknown12]

As everyone has said you must do whatever you feel is right. Like you I am on a low dose. However I have temporarily closed my business until covid levels decrease. Living in Surrey is not all a bed of roses. last night they said it was the worst place in the country for covid on the news. So I feel justified in the closure. You may be providing an essential service but you have to take care of yourself.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to 1Unknown12]

Sorry to hear that, but you’ve made the sensible decision. Best wishes for your business in future ...and your safety.

[MrsNails in reply to 1Unknown12]

Keep Safe & Well 🌺

[Koalajane in reply to MrsNails]

Thanks Angela. I am having one of those rapid tests for frontline workers next week to make sure I am not asymptomatic

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Koalajane]

But any of the tests only tell you the status at that moment - you could be positive the next day. And the fast tests do have a pretty high false negative rate.

Which makes the figures here in northern Italy even more scary when the fast tests on asymptomatic people are now turning up hundreds of cases a day

[Koalajane in reply to PMRpro]

I realise that it only tells me at that time so I am going to see if it is possible to have them weekly.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Koalajane]

That's OK then - so many people don't.

And I was horrified to hear a community nurse who had just had her vaccination say "now I'm safe doing my job" - no, not safe, safER but NOT for at least 3 weeks ...

[Koalajane in reply to PMRpro]

Really!

[tangocharlie in reply to PMRpro]

Is it true that the vaccine doesn't actually stop you getting Covid, but if you do get it symptoms should be less severe?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to tangocharlie]

That is what they think - they don't yet know. Part of the question is how much cover the single dose gives over the 12 week spacing they have decided to use. In the trials they got over 90% protection with the 2 doses 3 weeks apart - so it is still possible to get Covid anyway.

[Koalajane]

That is what I have heard