Me again....

[Alliekat65]

Hi my boss has asked if I need to be more aware of things like covid as atm they have a patient on ward with this. I am upto date with all covid protocol.

also things like measel chichen pox. sorry if questions are dumb but my ward is busy . so think it's just to do tick box Also Occie health mon may ask ..Thanks

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

When on steroids, you are more prone to any virus because your natural immune system has been dampened down by the medication. So although you might not necessarily be more likely to catch it, it might take longer to recover.

Some find that a virus may also cause a flare of their PMR…not all, but some.

We do mention Chicken Pox as something you need to be wary of. If you had that as a child the virus lays dormant in your body and if you come into contact with a patient when in the contagious stage or touch the spots when weeping it can be reactivated and appear as shingles. If so, you do need antiviral medication.

So long as you are up to date with all vaccines, you are not necessarily any more at risk, but it certainly is sensible to take more care.

[Alliekat65 in reply to DorsetLady]

Again Thank you. I have downloaded a book by rose Lambert..it seems our journey with theese can be very different. I woke this morning with head and shoulder pain but also my poor gut is suffering...but still. ..onna positive all my floorsvare clean lol

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Alliekat65]

All my floor are clean..

That may be good… but no head nor shoulder pain would be better..🤣😂.. you’ll learn 🤦🏻‍♀️

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I don't think I'd be working on there without a FFP3 maslk to be honest. There isn't a lot we can do about incidental exposure - but when you are aware, it seems fair to take precaustions.

[Pixix]

wearing an FFP3 mask would help, if your employer won’t supply them, I would buy them yourself. I have other immune system problems in addition, & I’ve worm FFP2 masks to all GP appointments & FFP3 masks to hospital appointments (which usually last longer). They are not ‘wear once & throw away’ like the normal mask. I have been shielding all winter, but realise you have to work. I have tried two flights since Covid ‘ended’ (of course it hasn’t), & have worn FFP 3 mask the whole journey. I also find these two types of mask are much easier to wear & fit better. Good luck, S x