covid -antivirals

[Oboes22]

Am on Pred and have been for 2.5 years. I have covid and despite having spoken to several medics none of them seem to make a decision about whether I should have antivirals. Has anyone else had this situation?

[SheffieldJane]

There doesn’t seem to be a consistency about decisions to do with anti virals. It must be the decision of local hospital trusts. I tested positive 9 days ago, received a phone call, was asked a few basic questions and told that I was ineligible for anti virals because my Pred dose was less than 10 mgs. I have PMR/GCA/LVV (7 years) and am currently on 7 mgs. The phone-call was prompted by my registering my positive test on the NHS website. In my case, I don’t think it would have made much difference to the severity or the duration of the virus. I am up to date with my vaccines and in Sheffield.

[Oboes22 in reply to SheffieldJane]

thank you. The doctor who phoned me yesterday was from Guys and she said the same about the 10mg limit! But then why did someone from the covid response team phone me this morning and tell me another doctor from local health trust would phone me later to discuss further!!! I think you are right no consistency about making a decision.

[SheffieldJane in reply to Oboes22]

I hope you are not feeling too bad. Just concentrate on rest and recuperation.

[tangocharlie]

When I had Covid a few months ago I was advised that although being ECV (Extremely Clinically Vulnerable) as I was on a high dose of steroids, that only made me eligible to consider them, and the Covid specailists on the NHS advisory service said my symptoms, which were mild, didn't warrant them. I queried it at first, but a second doctor agreed with the clinician I first spoke to. I had a pretty smooth ride even without them, though tested positive for 20 days which is much longer than the average.

[Oboes22 in reply to tangocharlie]

thank you Tangocharlie. I’ve now been contacted by a doctor at my local hospital who has said he is organising antivirals for me today. Sorry everyone if I asked a silly question.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Oboes22]

No such thing as a silly question really - though if the answer is already clearly visible to a general query you could say there are unnecessary questions. And the answer to you wasn't to be seen - there is a degree of left hand, right hand going on in some places!

[scottygirl73 in reply to Oboes22]

Glad you are getting the antivirals.xx

[Exflex]

The <10mg rule seems to trump, and antivirals need to be taken within 5 days (the active replication period).

[Oboes22 in reply to Exflex]

I had a phone call from Guys hospital and they told me the 10mg rule but the local hospital then phoned me and sent antivirals by taxi. Am presuming they don’t want the risk of me taking a bed. Grateful there seems to be some sort of communication in the NHS.

[Exflex in reply to Oboes22]

seems to a lot of variation in the NHS, I was flatly denied them - on day 10!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Exflex]

By day 10 it was too late, first 5 days is the cut off. The 10mg bit should depend on previous history. Long term at 9mg is a different matter to a few weeks at 10mg.

[Exflex in reply to PMRpro]

I’m aware of that, but it was a Dr who phoned me on day 10 and said no to them. I think I replied: ‘well, it would be a bit [bloody] late if you had said yes!’

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Exflex]

Door, close, horse comes to mind!

[Skier321]

I am in Victoria BC Canada. I was on 8.5 mg when I got Covid the state considers me immune compromised so I have all my shots. When I tested positive the health authority called me and for 3 days gave me the run around with each call. Finally I called my doctor and he prescribed it and my pharmacist delivered it to the house. In 5 days I felt fine except for the metallic taste in my mouth. For 5 days after testing negative I was fine. Then I got Covid again. 2% of folks on it get Paxlovid rebound. Lucky me second time I didn’t use antiviral and was fine. There is a lot of confusion around the use of these. I am now on 7 mgs and feel fine going to 6.5 in 2 weeks

[Oboes22]

Thank you Skier, and sorry to hear you had covid rebound. I had read this about Paxlovid. I have been given Molnupiravir which is given to treat mild to moderate covid. I've only had two doses so not feeling much better yet but I am being positive. There seems to be a lot of confusion over those who have an autoimmune disease and what dose prednisolone they are currently on and how long they have been taking it. I think I am blessed and looking forward to being back to 'normal'.