Covid-19 risk for MDR-TB survivor.

[Zackk]

Hello,

I had been diagnosed with MDR-TB 4 years and ago and and finished my treatment 2 years ago. I have few scars on top left part of my right lungs. Am i considered as “high-risk” individual for covid-19?

[hottchoc]

Morning!

You poor thing, how awful. I too have scars on my lung and I’m just being careful. You no longer have TB but you do have the effects so you are fitting the vulnerable group just because your not 100% fit with your lung. How are you with winter flu’s and colds? I just think you need to be careful and isolate where you can until this passes. Nothing is more important than your health and your lungs! X

[Zackk in reply to hottchoc]

Thank you for responding hottchoc. Thankfully, winter flu and cold so far are just like any other individual with no history of TB.

[HelenC Partner TB Alert in reply to Zackk]

Hi Zackk,

Long term scarring to the lungs from TB does not necessarily make you more vulnerable to COVID-19. You are more at risk only if your lung function has been affected, a condition known as bronchiectasis which is characterised by difficulty breathing and a productive cough.

There is certainly no harm in taking extra precautions around COVID-19 - particularly if you do have other health concerns - but it is not currently recommended to self-isolate if you are not in a high risk category.

I hlope this helps?

Best wishes,

Helen

[MBTC in reply to HelenC]

Me too and I'm really afraid! I work in schools and out in the community so am now working from home. I had TB 4 years ago and spent 10 months on meds. I've got scarring too and am super careful with avoiding colds and flu if I can. My consultant was pretty dismissive of the concerns that I've had about the impact of the lung damage - I went to see her just before the COVID-19 explosion in Feb and she discharged me. There is an area of damage - you can see it on the xray. I get some pain and become breathless too - and have had low white cell count at last blood test. Should I completely self isolate?

[HelenC Partner TB Alert in reply to MBTC]

Hi MBTC,

I am afraid that I cannot tell you whether to shield or not as I do not have medical expertise or access to your medical records. My understanding is that people considered at increased risk have now been sent a letter with instructions on shielding. If you have not received one it is likely your GP does not consider you to be at increased risk from covid-19.

However, that des not stop you from choosing to take extra precautions based on your concerns. You can also seek a second opinion from another doctor if you still require clarification.

Best wishes,

Helen

[Ntash23]

Hey Zackk I was also diagnosed with MDR tB a year Ago and I am really scared AF that I might be at high risk of getting Covid 19 😟

N I just want to know how long does it take for skin to go back to it’s color ? If u experienced any discoloration