Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Support/advice

Mag_seven · 26 Mar 2020

AM9 said:
Then the announcement about 'at-risk' and those over 70 were told to stay at home for 12 weeks

I noticed this morning that the "over 70s" appear to have been taken off the "high risk" list? Is that the case?

Who's at high risk from coronavirus
Coronavirus can make anyone seriously ill, but there are some people who are at a higher risk.

For example, you may be at high risk from coronavirus if you:

have had an organ transplant
are having certain types of cancer treatment
have blood or bone marrow cancer, such as leukaemia
have a severe lung condition, such as cystic fibrosis or severe asthma
have a condition that makes you much more likely to get infections
are taking medicine that weakens your immune system
are pregnant and have a serious heart condition

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/advice-for-people-at-high-risk/

RailUK Forums

theironroad · 26 Mar 2020

Great idea for a thread.

Bletchleyite · 26 Mar 2020

Mag_seven said:
I noticed this morning that the "over 70s" appear to have been taken off the "high risk" list? Is that the case?

There are 2 lists. One of them is elevated risk, the other high risk. The former are recommended to avoid all contact, the latter strongly recommended.

I think.

Dai Corner · 26 Mar 2020

Bletchleyite said:
There are 2 lists. One of them is elevated risk, the other high risk. The former are recommended to avoid all contact, the latter strongly recommended.

I think.

Yep. That's right.

They're now using the word 'shielded' for the 'even higher risk' group

UK Government said:
We are advising those who are at increased risk of severe illness from coronavirus (COVID-19) to be particularly stringent in following social distancing measures.
This group includes those who are:

aged 70 or older (regardless of medical conditions)

under 70 with an underlying health condition listed below (ie anyone instructed to get a flu jab as an adult each year on medical grounds):

chronic (long-term) respiratory diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema or bronchitis

chronic heart disease, such as heart failure

chronic kidney disease

chronic liver disease, such as hepatitis

chronic neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), a learning disability or cerebral palsy

diabetes

problems with your spleen – for example, sickle cell disease or if you have had your spleen removed

a weakened immune system as the result of conditions such as HIV and AIDS, or medicines such as steroid tablets or chemotherapy

being seriously overweight (a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above)

those who are pregnant

Note: there are some clinical conditions which put people at even higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. If you are in this category, next week the NHS in England will directly contact you with advice about the more stringent measures you should take in order to keep yourself and others safe. For now, you should rigorously follow the social distancing advice in full, outlined below.

People falling into this group are those who may be at particular risk due to complex health problems such as:

people who have received an organ transplant and remain on ongoing immunosuppression medication

people with cancer who are undergoing active chemotherapy or radiotherapy

people with cancers of the blood or bone marrow such as leukaemia who are at any stage of treatment

people with severe chest conditions such as cystic fibrosis or severe asthma (requiring hospital admissions or courses of steroid tablets)

people with severe diseases of body systems, such as severe kidney disease (dialysis)

telstarbox · 26 Mar 2020

I'm sadly in the above group so I've had to knock bike rides on the head for now. For now I'm exercising via YouTube fitness videos and hoping to borrow a turbo trainer to ride the bike at home!

Hope everyone is keeping as well as possible.

DarloRich · 27 Mar 2020

Hope everyone is feeling fit and well today!

Cowley · 27 Mar 2020

DarloRich said:
Hope everyone is feeling fit and well today!

Yeah good. I just went out for the first time since Monday (ie since the lockdown came in), so this was the first time I’d seen everywhere properly deserted and it really bought it home actually.

It’s our eldest’s 24th birthday tomorrow and I managed to get her a little something but I feel sorry for her because we’ve obviously said that under no circumstances can she have anyone round. We’ll make a nice meal and have a fire in the garden tomorrow night. There’s six of us here anyway so that’s almost a party in itself!
My two are at there mums, and we’ve moved things around a bit so that my son (who’s 17) can come over for most of next week, but my daughter (who’s nearly 19) isn’t really allowed to come over because of the 18 years cut off, so we’re texting and chatting on the phone but it’s a bit strange. Normally they’re here half the time.
How are you doing?

bussnapperwm · 28 Mar 2020

Anyone else struggling with not being able to go out bus/train photographing/bashing?

(For me it's been 3 months of struggle with my leg injury not being able to go out!)

MDB1images · 28 Mar 2020

bussnapperwm said:
Anyone else struggling with not being able to go out bus/train photographing/bashing?

(For me it's been 3 months of struggle with my leg injury not being able to go out!)

Don't worry about missing much.
I'm at work in the Rail industry and was spare this week, with the emergency timetable it's dead with long gaps between movements of any sort.
The time will fly by and once we all get the all clear it will be busier than ever and seem like a new hobby as everything will seem fresh and new for a bit.

ValleyLines142 · 28 Mar 2020

Well the lockdown has completely triggered my anxiety/general mental health, which is why I'm wide awake at 2.30am....

The weather is a real tease as well; you wouldn't think we'd had flash flooding less than a month ago!

I'm going out for a walk down the shops as suggested but it only kills time for about an hour out of a 24 hour day. There's a few things I needed to do around the house which I've done already.

This is honestly one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. Boris et al. seem to be preaching the whole 'stay at home save lives' but I've not come across a single business/body/organisation that cares about mental health. In fact, it is only this thread and individuals on Twitter that actually have any idea what it's like. Does BoJo even care?

Dai Corner · 28 Mar 2020

Anyone finding the current situation affecting their mental health might like to read this free magazine.

https://crakdmagazine.com/covid19/

Disclaimer: I haven't read it myself yet and had never heard of it before. Facebook sent me an ad for it.

Strathclyder · 28 Mar 2020

The good news is that I, nor any of my immediate family members (parents & younger siblings; am the oldest of three boys) have been able to avoid catching 'it' thus far. Which is good, as I and both my parents have asthma severe enough that two types of inhaler are required to be taken daily to keep it under control and to be able to function with something resembling normality. Catching it would lay us flat on our backs for weeks. The only trips out of the house I've been making since 9th March (my last 'spotting' trip for the forseeable future) have been to the local Co-op and occasionally taking my two Labradoodles on one of their thrice-daily walks. The flats we live in back onto a wide, open, sloping hill topped by two pylons, so it's ideal for taking the two daft mutts up to the top (when it hasn't been raining anyway lol).

The bad news is that my dad's main income source has more or less entirely dried up, what with him being a taxi driver and all. While I am of course relieved that he's not putting himself (and us) at unnecessary risk, but there's still a element of worry surrounding the subject of rent payment, even with the rent protection laws now in effect. If nothing else, that merely shows me up as a neurotic worry-wart...

Now, for the really bad news...

My uncle, who has grappled with serious/chronic respiratory diseases his whole life (has had to take extended breaks from work in the past as a direct result), has 'it' and is, as of the last update courtesy of my mother (he's her younger brother), in critical condition in hospital. Put bluntly (really no point in trying to soften the blow), his chances of survival, let alone recovery aren't at all high. At this point, I'm mentally steeling myself for the worst every time I ask how he's doing. I hope and pray that it doesn't come to that, but I must be prepared for anything in the midst of this, the most tumultuous period of my life thus far.

Aaaand breathe out...

And as a final note, and it feels almost trivial to mention it given the backdrop it's gonna be taking place against, but it's my 24th birthday in just under a weeks' time (April 3rd). Being the introvert I am and have always been, my b-day celebrations have for the most part consisted of opening a few cards/presents, getting birthday wishes from close family members & friends on Facebook etc. (last major party was for my 21st), but in light of current events, somehow even that seems inappropriate. I don't know, but what I do know for a fact is that it's gonna be a real low-key affair. Basically, the same as my last few b-days tbh.

Cowley · 28 Mar 2020

Strathclyder said:
The good news is that I, nor any of my immediate family members (parents & younger siblings; am the oldest of three boys) have been able to avoid catching 'it' thus far. Which is good, as I and both my parents have asthma severe enough that two types of inhaler are required to be taken daily to keep it under control and to be able to function with something resembling normality. Catching it would lay us flat on our backs for weeks. The only trips out of the house I've been making since 9th March (my last 'spotting' trip for the forseeable future) have been to the local Co-op and occasionally taking my two Labradoodles on one of their thrice-daily walks. The flats we live in back onto a wide, open, sloping hill topped by two pylons, so it's ideal for taking the two daft mutts up to the top (when it hasn't been raining anyway lol).

The bad news is that my dad's main income source has more or less entirely dried up, what with him being a taxi driver and all. While I am of course relieved that he's not putting himself (and us) at unnecessary risk, but there's still a element of worry surrounding the subject of rent payment, even with the rent protection laws now in effect. If nothing else, that merely shows me up as a neurotic worry-wart...

Now, for the really bad news...

My uncle, who has grappled with serious/chronic respiratory diseases his whole life (has had to take extended breaks from work in the past as a direct result), has 'it' and is, as of the last update courtesy of my mother (he's her younger brother), in critical condition in hospital. Put bluntly (really no point in trying to soften the blow), his chances of survival, let alone recovery aren't at all high. At this point, I'm mentally steeling myself for the worst every time I ask how he's doing. I hope and pray that it doesn't come to that, but I must be prepared for anything in the midst of this, the most tumultuous period of my life thus far.

Aaaand breathe out...

And as a final note, and it feels almost trivial to mention it given the backdrop it's gonna be taking place against, but it's my 24th birthday in just under a weeks' time (April 3rd). Being the introvert I am and have always been, my b-day celebrations have for the most part consisted of opening a few cards/presents, getting birthday wishes from close family members & friends on Facebook etc. (last major party was for my 21st), but in light of current events, somehow even that seems inappropriate. I don't know, but what I do know for a fact is that it's gonna be a real low-key affair. Basically, the same as my last few b-days tbh.

@Strathclyder so sorry to hear that about your uncle, that’s really awful for you and your family. My heart goes out to you.

DarloRich · 28 Mar 2020

Strathclyder said:
My uncle, who has grappled with serious/chronic respiratory diseases his whole life (has had to take extended breaks from work in the past as a direct result), has 'it' and is, as of the last update courtesy of my mother (he's her younger brother), in critical condition in hospital. Put bluntly (really no point in trying to soften the blow), his chances of survival, let alone recovery aren't at all high. At this point, I'm mentally steeling myself for the worst every time I ask how he's doing. I hope and pray that it doesn't come to that, but I must be prepared for anything in the midst of this, the most tumultuous period of my life thus far.

that is awful and I haven't got any words to try and offer you any comfort. Try to keep positive ( easy to say I know) but prepare for the worst. I think we all need to.

Strat-tastic · 28 Mar 2020

Strathclyder said:
The good news is that I, nor any of my immediate family members (parents & younger siblings; am the oldest of three boys) have been able to avoid catching 'it' thus far. Which is good, as I and both my parents have asthma severe enough that two types of inhaler are required to be taken daily to keep it under control and to be able to function with something resembling normality. Catching it would lay us flat on our backs for weeks. The only trips out of the house I've been making since 9th March (my last 'spotting' trip for the forseeable future) have been to the local Co-op and occasionally taking my two Labradoodles on one of their thrice-daily walks. The flats we live in back onto a wide, open, sloping hill topped by two pylons, so it's ideal for taking the two daft mutts up to the top (when it hasn't been raining anyway lol).

The bad news is that my dad's main income source has more or less entirely dried up, what with him being a taxi driver and all. While I am of course relieved that he's not putting himself (and us) at unnecessary risk, but there's still a element of worry surrounding the subject of rent payment, even with the rent protection laws now in effect. If nothing else, that merely shows me up as a neurotic worry-wart...

Now, for the really bad news...

My uncle, who has grappled with serious/chronic respiratory diseases his whole life (has had to take extended breaks from work in the past as a direct result), has 'it' and is, as of the last update courtesy of my mother (he's her younger brother), in critical condition in hospital. Put bluntly (really no point in trying to soften the blow), his chances of survival, let alone recovery aren't at all high. At this point, I'm mentally steeling myself for the worst every time I ask how he's doing. I hope and pray that it doesn't come to that, but I must be prepared for anything in the midst of this, the most tumultuous period of my life thus far.

Aaaand breathe out...

And as a final note, and it feels almost trivial to mention it given the backdrop it's gonna be taking place against, but it's my 24th birthday in just under a weeks' time (April 3rd). Being the introvert I am and have always been, my b-day celebrations have for the most part consisted of opening a few cards/presents, getting birthday wishes from close family members & friends on Facebook etc. (last major party was for my 21st), but in light of current events, somehow even that seems inappropriate. I don't know, but what I do know for a fact is that it's gonna be a real low-key affair. Basically, the same as my last few b-days tbh.

Thanks for sharing with us

Strathclyder · 28 Mar 2020

Thanks for the supportive comments, @Strat-tastic, @DarloRich & @Cowley; they are genuinely appreciated. And yes, it's something I'll likely have to prepare myself to face head-on. Not that I want to (who would?), but it's not like I (or anyone else in this situation right now) have a choice in the matter.

DarloRich · 28 Mar 2020

Strathclyder said:
Thanks for the supportive comments, @Strat-tastic, @DarloRich & @Cowley; they are genuinely appreciated. And yes, it's something I'll likely have to prepare myself to face head-on. Not that I want to (who would?), but it's not like I (or anyone else in this situation right now) have a choice in the matter.

Just keep your head up and ask for help if you need/want it

Cowley · 28 Mar 2020

Strathclyder said:
Thanks for the supportive comments, @Strat-tastic, @DarloRich & @Cowley; they are genuinely appreciated. And yes, it's something I'll likely have to prepare myself to face head-on. Not that I want to (who would?), but it's not like I (or anyone else in this situation right now) have a choice in the matter.

Likewise as Rich says if you want to chat anytime send me a pm.

Strathclyder · 28 Mar 2020

^^ That I will; consider the offer mutually extended should the need arise. Cheers lads. Again, much appreciated.

theblackwatch · 28 Mar 2020

Sorry to hear your news @Strathclyder . Sadly, a friend of mine knows someone who has passed away as a result of this Coronavirus, unsurprisingly he no longer wishes to leave his house. As others have said, keep positive and be prepared, but at the same time I hope you can also find things to do that can, for periods, take your mind off all the negative things which are going on.

theironroad · 28 Mar 2020

Strathclyder said:
The good news is that I, nor any of my immediate family members (parents & younger siblings; am the oldest of three boys) have been able to avoid catching 'it' thus far. Which is good, as I and both my parents have asthma severe enough that two types of inhaler are required to be taken daily to keep it under control and to be able to function with something resembling normality. Catching it would lay us flat on our backs for weeks. The only trips out of the house I've been making since 9th March (my last 'spotting' trip for the forseeable future) have been to the local Co-op and occasionally taking my two Labradoodles on one of their thrice-daily walks. The flats we live in back onto a wide, open, sloping hill topped by two pylons, so it's ideal for taking the two daft mutts up to the top (when it hasn't been raining anyway lol).

The bad news is that my dad's main income source has more or less entirely dried up, what with him being a taxi driver and all. While I am of course relieved that he's not putting himself (and us) at unnecessary risk, but there's still a element of worry surrounding the subject of rent payment, even with the rent protection laws now in effect. If nothing else, that merely shows me up as a neurotic worry-wart...

Now, for the really bad news...

My uncle, who has grappled with serious/chronic respiratory diseases his whole life (has had to take extended breaks from work in the past as a direct result), has 'it' and is, as of the last update courtesy of my mother (he's her younger brother), in critical condition in hospital. Put bluntly (really no point in trying to soften the blow), his chances of survival, let alone recovery aren't at all high. At this point, I'm mentally steeling myself for the worst every time I ask how he's doing. I hope and pray that it doesn't come to that, but I must be prepared for anything in the midst of this, the most tumultuous period of my life thus far.

Aaaand breathe out...

And as a final note, and it feels almost trivial to mention it given the backdrop it's gonna be taking place against, but it's my 24th birthday in just under a weeks' time (April 3rd). Being the introvert I am and have always been, my b-day celebrations have for the most part consisted of opening a few cards/presents, getting birthday wishes from close family members & friends on Facebook etc. (last major party was for my 21st), but in light of current events, somehow even that seems inappropriate. I don't know, but what I do know for a fact is that it's gonna be a real low-key affair. Basically, the same as my last few b-days tbh.

Take care of yourself too big man.

Strathclyder · 29 Mar 2020

theironroad said:
Take care of yourself too big man.

Yes, that is the most important thing to be keeping on top of right now; if not for myself, but for my family. Thanks BTW.

theblackwatch said:
Sorry to hear your news @Strathclyder . Sadly, a friend of mine knows someone who has passed away as a result of this Coronavirus, unsurprisingly he no longer wishes to leave his house. As others have said, keep positive and be prepared, but at the same time I hope you can also find things to do that can, for periods, take your mind off all the negative things which are going on.

Thank you, much appreciated. And I'm sorry to hear that; pass my condolences on to him if you can. And yes, that is paramount right now, as difficult as it is. Same with trying to distract myself from everything that's going on as much as I possibly can. Not easy, but all I can really do right now...

Cowley · 30 Mar 2020

So how’s everyone doing today? Good or bad I’d be interested to know.

ainsworth74 · 30 Mar 2020

Cowley said:
So how’s everyone doing today? Good or bad I’d be interested to know.

Days are blending into one a little bit but the works WhatsApp group clattering back into life provided a helpful reminder that it was the start of a new week.

Cowley · 30 Mar 2020

ainsworth74 said:
Days are blending into one a little bit but the works WhatsApp group clattering back into life provided a helpful reminder that it was the start of a new week.

I did my longest drive in a week today (Crediton and back to drop off one ‘essential’ Tesco’s worker, and to pick up one of the boys).
I couldn’t remember how to drive at first...
I’m in a complete bubble of DIY at home at the moment but I’m missing seeing my 19 year old daughter, and I’m not sure what to do about it.

GaryMcEwan · 31 Mar 2020

Just over a week ago I was admitted into Glasgow Royal Infirmary showing signs of it. Fortunately I tested negative and it was just my asthma falling over on its backside again.

Bad news for me is that as I was already on steroids for it, and a whole host of other medication, it means i know have to shield for 12 weeks. I'm classed a key worker, but my work have put guidelines in place so I can stay at home and remain on full pay.

Bletchleyite · 31 Mar 2020

Cowley said:
I’m in a complete bubble of DIY at home at the moment but I’m missing seeing my 19 year old daughter, and I’m not sure what to do about it.

Arrange a video chat?

Cowley · 31 Mar 2020

Bletchleyite said:
Arrange a video chat?

Yes I’m going to do that later actually. I did chat with her yesterday on the phone which was nice.

DarloRich · 31 Mar 2020

The hardest part of all this is the fact that IT services are struggling making working from home a chore!

GaryMcEwan said:
Bad news for me is that as I was already on steroids for it, and a whole host of other medication, it means i know have to shield for 12 weeks. I'm classed a key worker, but my work have put guidelines in place so I can stay at home and remain on full pay.

What are you going to do to keep occupied?

GaryMcEwan · 31 Mar 2020

DarloRich said:
The hardest part of all this is the fact that IT services are struggling making working from home a chore!

What are you going to do to keep occupied?

Thankfully our IT team have been promoting working from home for the last 2 years or so, so our IT services are more than able to handle the added pressure. However I've just got my letter through from the Scottish Government confirming that I now have to shield for at least 12 weeks.

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