COVID WHILE ON PREDNISOLONE

[Broomser]

I have been on pred for over 3 years and just tested positive for covid. Am I at a greater risk? Should I consult my GP on possible covid treatments to limit the impact of covid?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

This is from another forum - but applies here as well -lupusuk.org.uk/covid-19-tre...

But it’s the nhs you need to contact rather than GP -try the covid help line 119 or website -

nhs.uk/conditions/coronavir...

Where you in the shielding group early days of covid?

[Jomaur]

If you are in the UK you are probably eligible for anti virals and should have received notification from the NHS to tell you this. Once you have registered your positive result online you should be contacted within 24 hours about this.This worked well for me and the next day I attended the hospital for an anti viral infusion. I was there for about two hours and then returned home but some people are given tablets to take at home. Hope this helps.

[Broomser in reply to Jomaur]

Thanks for your post.

I registered my +ve test but it seems things are different in Scottish NHS. I plan to call their helpline and see what they advise.

[piglette]

What dose of steroids are you on? I got an email from somewhere offering me anti virals and free Covid tests.

[Broomser in reply to piglette]

That's what I was expecting but nothing yet. I am on 5mg - totally stuck there.

[HeronNS in reply to Broomser]

Of course it's different in different countries but where I am, Nova Scotia, you have to have been taking 20 mg pred or more, for at least two weeks for pred to be one of the qualifiers for extra treatments! Nothing at all said about long term on a lower dose possibly being a risk factor. However if you have had all your vaccines including boosters you will probably get on all right. Make sure you really rest, even when you are feeling okay, and keep up your fluid intake. My husband (not on pred but he's nearly 80) had covid in April and seems to be fully recovered, although I think he gets tired more easily than before, so even after you are testing negative again, still be extra kind to yourself and don't expect an instant full recovery.

[Broomser in reply to HeronNS]

Thank you kindly. Its a horrible business.

[piglette in reply to Broomser]

Perhaps 5mg is considered too low a dose to be contacted.

[Broomser in reply to piglette]

That figures. I started at 60mg over 3 years ago so as HeronNS mentions, they don't account for long term cumulative dose.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Broomser]

Would agree with piglette re dose -having seen other posts regarding similar. Whatever reply you get from helpline I do hope you soon feel better.

[Broomser in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you.

[Fifegran]

I tested positive last Thursday and reported it online but heard nothing back. I am also in Scotland and am sure I read somewhere you have to be taking over 20mg to qualify for the anti virals, I am on 1.75mg, presently following Sick Day Rules. I feel this is helping a lot. Also spoke to my doctor to order more Pred. He didn’t mention anti virals. Be kind to yourself, rest, nap when you feel the need, drink lots of fluids, unfortunately Covid is on the rise again in Scotland. Take care and get well soon.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Fifegran]

It's on the rise everywhere!

[Broomser in reply to Fifegran]

My wife and I both tested positive on our return from Florida last week, on a busy Tui flight into Glasgow. We are lying low and toughing it out. Everyone is so supportive. PMRpro is right, worrying rise.