CORONA VIRUS

[mcewan12345]

Hi guys can anyone confirm if itp makes you in the high risk category from the Corona virus and would the virus lower our platelets?

[Sachmo16]

Apparently we are not high risk if we have ITP - there is an article on Health unlocked written by professor Newlands about this and what it means for us. I have lupus aswell and I think i am at high risk but still not 100% sure.

[tree_shadow in reply to Sachmo16]

lupusuk.org.uk/coronavirus

Many (most) with SLE (Lupus) are at high risk, see link to check if you are.

[tree_shadow in reply to tree_shadow]

also see page 4 on this

england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/...

[Anthonyh7]

The following links may be helpful -

1. itpsupport.org.uk/index.php...

2. pdsa.org/covid-19.html

[Kyriak51]

I’ve had itp since 1990’s, started treatment with Nplate in 2010 and YES I am immune comprised. Infections bacterial/viral, uncontrolled pain, stress and depression effects my platelet count and has decreased my count from a baseline of 30-80 thousand to as low as 6 thousand and requires 3-6 weeks to return to baseline. Stay safe and be well

[Lynwoodley]

Hi I contacted my consultant and he said in my case because if I normally get sick my platelets go up and I am not on any medication, I should not be at further risk but everyone should check with their consultants as we are all different

[janran]

Hi

I think the short answer is that you would be considered high risk if you are having any treatment that lowers the immune system or if you have no spleen. As viruses are a common reason for a drop in platelets this virus will probably do the same.

I am going to self isolate as much as possible and practice social distancing really thoroughly if I have to go out. If you feel you may be at increased risk it seems sensible to self isolate if you possibly can to help ease the pressure on the NHS.

[Anthonyh7]

Hello janran and mcewan12345

Yes janran spot on... AND

The following link may be helpful as it does indeed make it clear that anyone on immune suppressing drugs WILL be advised to remain SHIELDED ( stay at home ) for the next 12 weeks, at least.

Apparently anyone who fits the criteria on the following link will be contacted by the NHS either in writing or by text/phone by March 29th and advised what they need to do. This was announced by the UK Govt at the daily press conference yesterday Sun 22nd March

As I am on Prednisolone and Mycophenolate Mofetil I am definitely one of those ITP sufferers who will need to stay at home for the next 12 weeks at least. I haven't had any letter or call/text yet from the NHS but I expect something this week.

If you are in any doubt it is best to contact your ITP specialist/doctor to see what they recommend in your specific case but if you are on immune suppressing drugs or without your spleen then I would think that you would be best to remain at home .

The link is at bbc.co.uk/news/uk-51506729

The relevant part of the article is headed up WHO SHOULD NOT GO OUT AT ALL ? and is towards the bottom of the whole piece.