Coronavirus (COVID-19) - information and precautions

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Michael_B

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09/03/2020 at 09:56

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Michael_B

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Hello dear members,

I thought I would open this discussion as the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been a strong news topic of late and is a pertinent topic for us here, as those with chronic health conditions who are immunocompromised may be at a higher risk of infection.

As you know, Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which cause illnesses ranging from the common cold (some seasonal viruses are Coronaviruses) to more severe illnesses such as MERS or SARS. The virus identified in January 2020 in China is a new Coronavirus. The disease caused by this Coronavirus has been named COVID-19 by the World Health Organization.

If you feel you may be a risk or may have the virus, please refer to the government recommendations which are available and updated on the following page:

Coronavirus (COVID-19): UK government response

For more information about the virus and how to protect yourself, go to the NHS Coronavirus page:

NHS - Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Are you worried about the Coronavirus? Are you taking any particular precautions? Do you have any advice or opinions to share?

Feel free to share your questions, comments and concerns below.

Take care,

Michael

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MrSmith

09/03/2020 at 12:44

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MrSmith

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@Michael_B Thanks for this information. I'm a little nervous because with my asthma it could be very hard on my breathing. I've heard Coronavirus causes a lot of difficult upper respiratory symptoms. I keep washing my hands and avoiding sick people where I can. Hopefully the government's plan is sound.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) - information and precautions https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/lets-talk-about-covid19/coronavirus-covid19-information-and-precautions-3065 2020-03-09 12:44:37

madammerry56

09/03/2020 at 13:01

madammerry56

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@Michael_B I've also been worried about this being in the middle of my treatment. I've been avoiding places with lots of people (the shops, the underground, etc) and I've been careful to wash my hands. They say to sing happy birthday while you're doing, right? I try to keep positive and think that it's given me a little holiday, now I get to send my husband out to do the shopping!

Peradventure

10/03/2020 at 14:53

Peradventure

Last activity on 11/06/2020 at 13:58

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I’m 74 going on 75 and live in outer London. NHS class me as elderly but despite arthritis and fybromyalgia and a couple of eye conditions I keep busy with family and social activities. I am due to give a talk in Central London next week to a roomful of people. This would mean public transport etc. I simply don’t know what to do about it.

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Michael_B

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11/03/2020 at 09:40

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Michael_B

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@Peradventure Hello Peradventure, that's fantastic that you are so active. You raise a significant concern I think for many. For now, the NHS only recommends avoiding public transport and mass gatherings if you believe you've been in contact with someone who is infected or if you're experiencing symptoms, but we should all keep an eye for changes in that position.

Wishing you the best,

Michael

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Michael_B, Community Manager, Carenity UK

Courtney_J

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12/03/2020 at 09:49

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Courtney_J

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Hello all,

We have an update since yesterday. The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that due to the rapid spread and severity of the virus and their concern for the level of inaction worldwide, COVID-19 can now be characterised as a pandemic.

WHO has also published some key advice for older adults and people with pre-existing considitions that may be of some help to us all:

· When you have visitors to your home, exchange “1 metre greetings”, like a wave, nod, or bow.

· Ask visitors and those you live with to wash their hands.

· Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces in your home, especially areas that people touch a lot.

· If someone you live with isn’t feeling well (especially with possible COVID-19 symptoms), limit your shared spaces.

· If you become ill with symptoms of COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider by telephone before visiting your healthcare facility.

· Make a plan in preparation for an outbreak of COVID-19 in your community.

· When you go out in public, follow the same preventative guidelines as you would at home.

· Stay up to date using information from reliable sources.

Take care everyone!

Courtney

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Courtney_J, Community Manager, Carenity UK

Courtney_J

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13/03/2020 at 10:05

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Courtney_J

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Hello all,

The government recommends people wash their hands for 20 seconds to protect themselves against contracting Covid-19, or as long as it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice. Some of us find Happy Birthday uninspiring, so here is an updated NHS poster with some more interesting lyrics!

What song do you sing while washing your hands? I'm partial to God Save the Queen!

Take care,

Courtney

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robjmckinney

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17/03/2020 at 21:06

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robjmckinney

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It would help if our government would issue clear concise advice instead shifting grey drivel, the Prime Minister says one thing then a spokesman states no he did not mean that half hour later.

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Courtney_J

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18/03/2020 at 10:07

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Courtney_J

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@robjmckinney Hello robjmckinney, I agree that it can be difficult to track all the information from the different sources. If you haven't seen already, we published an article yesterday that breaks down the coronavirus and tries to summarize all the advice and useful sites and numbers. I'll link it here:

Coronavirus: What do you need to know?

Take care,

Courtney

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Courtney_J, Community Manager, Carenity UK

robjmckinney

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18/03/2020 at 15:36

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Courtney_J it is not your advice that concerns me it is the government and its advice that is left wanting. The Prime Minister makes statements and so called experts and spokesmen change it less than hour later. Ministers this morning failing or refusing to answer question and very ambiguous answer. Many old people and those with underlying illnesses are stating they want simple rules defined to follow. Look at advice on visiting Pubs with the Prime Ministers father, a minister could not give a straight answer. As the government blunders on, people are confused with advice that is ever changing and impossible to follow. My grandchild is now not at school, not due to government instructions but all kitchen staff in isolation. Europe is in lockdown while the UK dithers but the death rate increases, 6600 plus on limited ICU beds and thousands infected. For us with serious underlying illnesses government advice is all over the place. Our Specialist from our local hospital sent me an email, he states isolate so I am following his advice. I stocked up with food and hygiene products before the panic even managed to acquire N95 standard reusable masks that I ordered weeks ago. Thankfully there are provisions being made for the old but not those with serious underlying illnesses so quite a mess. Be well all as this could last 12 weeks or up to a year or more and no cure in sight!

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Gezzac

21/03/2020 at 10:32

Gezzac

Last activity on 26/01/2025 at 15:04

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I am 68 male in good health and reasonably fit. However I had endocarditis 2 years ago resulting in having heart surgery and having a new aortic valve fitted(pig/cow), mitral valve repaired and a pacemaker fitted. I also discovered at the age of 66 that I was born with only one kidney(working well). I am also a mild asthmatic controlled by preventers.

q. Am I in the at risk group?

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Gezza

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