Sick day rules and potential anti virals for covid

[Abcd123455]

Hi, have been having a bit of a time recently as had carpal tunnel surgery but recovering slowly. Still painful with some movements but the actual carpal tunnel is definitely better. Sure nobody is surprised that I’ve been quite tired. Thought I was coming through this but now have covid and feeling quite rough and even more tired with neck and some arm heaviness. Tried to contact gp last week to talk about increasing prednisone for a short time as suggested in sick day rules before covid result was positive but couldn’t speak with anyone so stuck with my current 11mg dose. Have received a message saying that someone should call me to discuss possible antivirals having tested positive for covid yesterday .Has anyone got experience with taking antivirals for covid? Should I go ahead and increase my prednisone for a few days? Any wise words would be helpful, thanks

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

This recent post about antivirals-healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

Might be worth taking a couple of extra mgs for a few days….and then try and contact GP next week. Does your surgery have eConsult facility - if so, you can contact anytime although you won’t get answers until Monday - if you’re not sure check here-

econsult.net/nhs-patients

[Abcd123455 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks will take a look

[Abcd123455 in reply to DorsetLady]

Unfortunately my gp isn’t registered for the e consult. I’ll take 15mg for a few days and hope for the best. Thanks again

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Abcd123455]

See how you get on - technically it is double the dose to a maximum dose of 20mg. Maybe the call about the antivirals can help with the pred dose.

[Abcd123455 in reply to PMRpro]

Yes, maybe, hopefully they will call in the morning.

[Heron82]

Good morning, I do hope you have a speedy recovery. I too have covid and was advised to take 20mg of a morning for 5 - 7 days and then revert to the 11 mg pred dose. I was given the monoclonal antibody treatment on Day 3 of testing positive, within the 5 day window. It was all arranged by my GP and the NHS via the PCR test result I did on Day 1 after a positive LF. The NHS sent home PCR test kits out to all vulnerable individuals. I was sent another PCR test yesterday for possible future use. I hope this helps, use the NHS App to report your infection.

[Abcd123455 in reply to Heron82]

Hi, yes it does help, thanks. I’m still waiting for a call, probably won’t happen today being Sunday but I took 15mg yesterday evening and read the sick day covid rules properly this morning so took 10mgs and will take 10mgs tomorrow. I hope you feel better soon too.

[suzy1959]

I too am waiting for a call regarding anti virals- needless to say, it being a Sunday it hasn’t happened within 24 hours of a positive pcr test. Hopefully will get a call tomorrow.

[Abcd123455]

I called 111 and asked them to send my details across to the team so I know I’ll get a call back tomorrow. Maybe give them a call. I had a very short wait time and they were really helpful.

[Catseyes235]

Just saw your post. I was offered anti-virals but didn’t respond quick enough to be offered them. I got the feeling you have to start them shortly after testing positive. Hope you recover soon!

[Abcd123455 in reply to Catseyes235]

Hi, I’ve been chasing this all day and this afternoon was told the clinician may not be able to call back in time due to amount of people needing them. Probably won’t get it either but hopefully will be ok without. Have you recovered ok?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Abcd123455]

That's a tad pointless ...

[Abcd123455 in reply to PMRpro]

Yes pointless and disappointing really.

[Catseyes235]

Yes I’m fine but had it very mildly (sneezing loads and runny nose but that was it). compared to others. However I still felt tired for a couple of weeks after. A friend who tested positive on the 7th March only tested negative this week. He had the whole flu type thing. Seems there’s no set pattern of symptoms, how long they last etc. Hope you’re better soon.

[Abcd123455 in reply to Catseyes235]

Thanks