https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-64074088

[Bcol]

Forty minutes ago on BBC People have been urged to avoid mixing with vulnerable relatives if they feel unwell this Christmas. BBC News - Flu and Covid:

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Shouldn't need reminding really! I wouldn't call myself vulnerable though I suppose I AM old enough to qualify but I certainly don't want flu on top of anything else!

[Hippie22 in reply to PMRpro]

when taking steroids doze make you immune system low

[Bcol in reply to Hippie22]

Yes, they do as they help to stop your immune system mistakenly attacking the body.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Hippie22]

I also am on Actemra, another immunosuppressant. But in all the 13+ years I have been on pred I haven't caught any more bugs than I did before, just the odd UTI which I used to get anyway. I haven't had Covid yet that I know of.

[1951grumpa in reply to PMRpro]

I’ve been on prednisone for 12 years. I, tried methotrexate for several years, also have mild crohn’s. I also haven’t caught any more bugs that I used too.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Bit late in the day to remind people -mind you with so much strike action around the UK -you’ll be lucky to be going anywhere! Unless like some of us, already there -but no thanks to public transport!

[Bcol in reply to DorsetLady]

A Christmas at home this year for us. On Meg duty. But I do feel for those who are having to travel. Hate to think what the roads will be like tomorrow!!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Bcol]

My son picked me up yesterday -quite a short trip in real terms -but we had to do a few things in between getting from a. to b. -and managed to see most of Dorset along the way….. still had a good mother/son chat, which is always good!

Plenty of cars about either loaded with shopping or Christmassy stuff..and dithering drivers! Ahh the joys of deepest darkest Dorset!

[Bcol in reply to DorsetLady]

A beautiful county whatever time of year.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Bcol]

yep, sure is!

[SheffieldJane in reply to DorsetLady]

sounds like Heaven! 💖

[piglette]

Jingle bells, jingle bells,

Jingle all the way,

You won’t get an ambulance

‘Til after Christmas Day!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to piglette]

Pleased to see you’re looking on the bright side……after Christmas Day? ..more like after New Year…..😟

[piglette in reply to DorsetLady]

we can just change the last line. Perhaps have Easter Day!

All I want for Christmas is fuel!

[Bcol in reply to piglette]

Not bad now fuel, down to £1.40 here.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Bcol]

If you don't go to a supermarket! It is alleged they are making money there rather than inside!!!

[Bcol in reply to PMRpro]

Local garage at end of road, but I think the supermarkets are beginning to get the message.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Bcol]

wish it was here -£1.50 something….

[piglette in reply to DorsetLady]

What’s Good King Wencelas’ favorite type of pizza?

Deep pan, crisp and even.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to piglette]

Luckily my wine wasn't in my hand (or mouth)!

[tempusfugi in reply to PMRpro]

You drink wine, PMRpro? Whatever next!!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to tempusfugi]

is the Pope Catholic? 🤣😂

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to tempusfugi]

I agree with DL - as usual

[Bcol in reply to PMRpro]

I wouldn't dream of ever not agreeing.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to piglette]

boom, boom, tish!

[Bcol in reply to piglette]

Luv it

[Suffererc in reply to DorsetLady]

or even Easter 😂🤣😂🤣😂

[Bcol in reply to piglette]

At least the ambulance workers have called it off until the 11th Jan.

[Allum]

Merry Christmas you wonderful people! You are our lifeline 🎄🥳xx

[Meggs01]

Happy Christmas everyone, I feel that you are all my family ❤️xx

[PickyQ]

Great Christmas ' bants '. Thanks for all your support and humour in the past few years. We have needed it. I have needed it. Happy Christmas xx

[Suffererc]

common sense really. Same as wearing masks 😊

[Bcol in reply to Suffererc]

Amazing how many people seem to suffer from a lack of that!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Bcol]

hmm🤣😂

[Daffodilia]

We are the sick ones this year - bad bad cold not COVID - going to have our family day on 7 Jan ( some go away for New Year) - can’t be helped if too ill to enjoy festivities

[tempusfugi in reply to Daffodilia]

Funny how it always seems to happen at Christmas. Hope you feel much better soon. Wrap up , keep warm and try to spoil yourselves. Best for New Year, at least.

[ShadyLady165 in reply to tempusfugi]

Suppose it has anything to do with the stress of the season? Maybe we've got the way to celebrate all wrong . . . . ya think??

[tempusfugi in reply to ShadyLady165]

ShadyLady165, sure as heck do (think, that is)! Guess it's really up to us though. This may sound odd, but I'll be on me own and I like it that way. Will celebrate with family later in the Spring...

[MiniSpec]

According to what I read in one newspaper, half the country (or possibly more!) are suffering from a flu like illness that knocks you sideways for around 48hrs, and then seems to take weeks to fade completely. Although it seems to share some symptoms with Covid, apparently it's definitely NOT Covid, but is more closely related to the common cold, i.e. coronaviral in nature, but not SARS V2.

So no vaxxes, just back to the Lemsips for all of us. Ah well, Happy Christmas everyone!

[MrsNails in reply to MiniSpec]

I’ve come down with a ‘Chest’ & Wheezing this afternoon 🤦🏻 it’s come from nowhere!

I’m in bed with a Hot Toddy 🥃

[MiniSpec in reply to MrsNails]

I'm on the Lemsips myself, as it's got me by the throat! I don't remember having such a sore throat in years. I guess I won't be doing much talking tomorrow when the family's round ( and I guess they'll be pleased about that! ) Have a good one!

[Bcol in reply to MiniSpec]

OH on the Llemsips as well, not sure I'm cooking the Turkey tomorrow or not!!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to MrsNails]

is that your pet name for Terry? 🤣😂