Should we be shielding

[Parker15]

Heard a lady in news saying she had to shield because she had an autoimmune disease

I’m sure PMR is classed as that .

Yet we haven’t been told to

[SnazzyD]

Autoimmune conditions come in different sizes, some affecting organs which make a person more susceptible to severe consequences. I guess that’s why PMR doesn’t flag up. I get neutropaenia every three weeks, unknown cause but possibly autoimmune, but that didn’t trigger any lights either.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

This was discussed in great detail last spring when it all started. If you scroll back through the posts you will see pages of Covid discussion.

It isn't the disease as such that makes us vulnerable, it is the medication and, even more, comorbidities, the other illnesses we have such as diabetes, hypertension or renal problems. Being on above 20mg pred may make us more likely to catch Covid - but no-one has any immunity to it so you should be taking all the precautions like keeping your distance from everyone, washing hands and wearing a mask. Those of us on methotrexate or tocilizumab/Actemra are also at some increased risk because they both suppress immunity.

Some autoimmune disorders put people at higher risk than others - but PMR isn't one of the high risk ones. And there is some thought that being on pred may even help if we do catch it.

[piglette]

Yes PMR is an auto immune disease along with around 200 others. Some people who are very vulnerable have been sent letters by their GPs to shield.

[Mgt1234]

Hi, as PMRpro stated we are all different. I have PMR and GCA and take a daily dose of 10mg Prednisolone (for over 10 years), I can’t get below this dose. Sadly I have a range of other health conditions hence I am shielded yet again. I’ve been classified as extremely clinically vulnerable so I am awaiting my vaccination invitation very soon. Take care. xx

[196_]

I have GCA and I have been advised to shield due to the amount of steroids that I take. I was told that more than 20 mg daily puts you at risk, but surely long term steroid use puts someone at risk as well?

[Telian in reply to 196_]

Hi 196_

Have a read at this:

My Rheumie consultation letter dated 8/1/2021 says:

“ Current advice from the British Society for Rheumatology is that people who take 20mg Prednisolone for 4 weeks or more, are classed as “extremely clinically vulnerable”. This means that they should be careful to avoid contact with people who might have coronavirus”.

Continues:

“In Leeds we currently also advise that people who take 5mg or more of Prednisolone (but less than 20mg) and are > 70 years, have diabetes/heart problems/treated hypertension, or have had extra treatment for a flare of their disease in the previous 3 months are also classed as “extremely clinically vulnerable” and should follow the same advice as above”.

Your local area might be advising differently from Leeds.

[196_ in reply to Telian]

I was told that 20 or more is the shielding criteria. However people who have reduced their meds over a period big time must also be at risk. It's strange how each area gives different advice

[Telian in reply to 196_]

I would take the general advice given to everyone even if I didn’t fall into specific categories.

I don’t know what other areas advise. My Rheumie is very well thought of and I do follow her advice. My GP surgery put me in the ECV category before I received my Rheumie letter plus the one from the government.

Message to everyone is to keep safe at all times and keep the hand washing going. I’ve never moisturised my poor hands as much.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to 196_]

Different risk though - poor adrenal response to being ill applies to both, increased risk because of poor immune system is greater at the higher doses. And the criteria have changed since the beginning now they know more about Covid19.

[Thelmarina]

I’m now designated as clinically extremely vulnerable - I do have a mild asthma condition as well - but I was surprised as I wasn’t described as that during our first lockdown. Post code lottery? Peculiarities of Admin? I do get hand written letters from Matt Hancock with all sorts of advice but really just carry on much as usual taking extra care at the moment 😀

[herdysheep in reply to Thelmarina]

I have that designation now but didn't before. The joy of age and hypertension have played their part. I was effectively shielding before apart from daily walk. Don't usually see anyone on walk so all much the same. We know we are vulnerable, designated or not. It's our behaviour that counts.

[2013mayo]

HiI saw my rheumatologist a couple of weeks ago, he told me when you get to 5mg you are relatively safe from covid 19 severe reaction, anything above puts you in the extremely vulnerable group, I also take TCZ and mycophenolate, all immune reducing drugs.

I’m still waiting for my vaccine, I just wish it could hurry up 😟