NHS shielding text message

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hi all, 

hope everyone is doing as well as possible at this time.

quick question has anyone else received a message from GP/NHS (I have had both) about needing to self isolate as I am a high risk group? I have had thyroid cancer and total thyroidectomy last April, on the ION trial and receiving close monitoring with no RAI treatment and I also have mild asthma. I have contacted my GP and they say I come under the NHS England guidance for shielding due to my asthma and previous cancer but when I read the guidance neither of these are covered!! It states cancer but certain types and treatment options and also severe asthma not thyroid cancer or mild asthma mainly due to allergies!! Just wondered if anyone else had received the same for thyroid cancer!! 

Many thanks

Anne

  • Heya Anne, 

    The thing about the shielding texts is that it's an algorithm that looks for medications, conditions, etc then texts those people it highlights. So there's no human behind ut going through and picking people out. 

    It will probanly be down to your asthma that you've had the text, because while it's mostly severe asthma that causes the problems, there's not really a quick and easy way to distinguish between asthma that will cause issues with covid, and asthma that won't.

    Right now, with the lockdown, we're all pretty much shielding (except for the idiots I can hear driving around and the folks in the street, and those visiting friends.... I hope they all get fined!) with having to stay home.

    So it's up to you what to do. You're not at high risk because of your thyroid cancer, but your asthma may pose a risk. So entirely your choice. 

    Lass

    Xx

    I have no medical training, everything I post is an opinion or educated guess. It is not medical advice.

  • Thanks Lass, 

    always so helpful. My decision is around work more as I’m a nurse so needed more than ever!!I'm in paediatrics so not quite so bad ..... will see how it goes. I was already told not to look after COVID-19 patients and husband is going to drive me in so I don't have to get on the incredibly packed tubes!! It really is madness!!

  • Stay safe out there! 

    L

    Xx

    I have no medical training, everything I post is an opinion or educated guess. It is not medical advice.

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to Lass

    Hi everyone.

    Well I haven't received a text at all and I also suffer with very bad tight chestness. Also  because of my job they are making me come in to work. My boss told me of I. Come to work or don't get paid.. Wankers arnt they.

    Stay safe xx

  • If I were you Megane, I'd give the helpline here a call to ask about that. I don't think employers can force you into work at the moment, and the government I think were introducing protections for that. 

    But as I say, def call the helpline and check if you'd be happier at home. 

    Lass

    Xx

    I have no medical training, everything I post is an opinion or educated guess. It is not medical advice.

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to bbosh

    Do hope you can stay safe and well. Must be a very difficult time to be working in healthcare but your efforts are so much appreciated.