Actemra and immune system

[BossHoss]

For someone on has been on weekly Actemra injections for 8 months & has had numerous respiratory infections, how concerned should they feel should they test positive for Covid 19?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I take it you have been? I assume you have been told to stop the Actemra for the time being? And the doctors are monitoring the oxygen level in your blood? And you have been given the antiviral medication approved for Covid?

[BossHoss in reply to PMRpro]

Actually I haven't but someone I know is very anxious and I'm trying my best to reassure her. We've both been vaccinated and boosted but she's still hesitant to resume normal activities in crowded situations even though cases are dropping and we'd still both wear masks.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to BossHoss]

I'm with her!!! I wear an FFP2 mask when out and anywhere near people - still required to go into shops or on public transport. I'm on 15mg pred but not Actemra. Our figures here are now pretty good officially - but noone knows how many actually have it - more than half show no signs at all it is thought.

How is the set-up for you for getting the anti-Covid medication?

[BossHoss in reply to PMRpro]

What anti-Covid medication are you referring to?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to BossHoss]

These are the ones available to immonosuppressed patients in the UK

nhs.uk/conditions/coronavir...

and quite a lot on the forum have been registered as entitled to receive them if they contract Covid, There are also people who have had family or friends booked into clinics in the US for infusions though I'm not clear about the situation with you.

[BossHoss in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks for that information. We'll definitely look into the availability of those medications.

[scottygirl73 in reply to PMRpro]

Yes i am registered for the antivaral med.x