Shielding letter for asthma

[ThatsNotMyName123]

I've received a letter in the second phase of shielding letters.

It's from the hospital and has my name and NHS and hospital number on, so I know it's not a mistake.

Is states fo shield for 12 weeks from the date and then goes on with lots on information on coping and help available.

I work in a GP surgery, and we had a lot of patients ringing up confused as to why they had a letter as no health issues, but may of had an inhaler 3/4 years ago for chesty coughs etc, but not diagnosed or coded as asthmatic, so worried they have been triggered by mistake, and now I'm not working for 12 weeks.

Have all asthmatics now had a letter?

And are they mandatory or advisory,
meaning you can still work if you choose, knowing the risks etc?

I feel bad leaving my colleagues to work whilst I'm safe at home, as were all at risk of getting this virus.

[josette]

I haven’t had one. I only have two regular inhalers, yearly asthma check up with the nurse and have not needed oral steroids for years. Assumed it was for much more serious cases

[Abbccc]

No my daughter hasn't had one. She's on daily steriods and reliever (brown and blue) and has annual check ups.

[Liverpoolarefab]

Go to asthma UK - there have defined what they consider as 'severe asthma ' and therefore if you should have received a shielding letter. It is dependant on the medication you are taking. Also talk to your GP If you don't agree.

[ThatsNotMyName123]

@josette this is what I thought.

I've not had oral steroids for a year or so.

I take a daily steroid inhaler and salbutamol when needed.

I've been referred to respiratory for an ongoing cough that my GP has exhausted his knowledge, but I'm also referred to gastro as it could be acid induced.

I had a collapsed lung 7 years ago, but that was from trauma and not spontaneous.

I worry I'm off unnecessarily, and I may not get furlough, and only get SSP when I don't need to be.

My boss made me ring my GP as there is so much confusion apparently over these letters, but my doctor said I have to abide by it 🤦🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️

[Judashascomeintosomemoney]

I haven’t had one. When I spoke to GP two weeks ago she didn’t even know about the letters, which was slightly worrying . I’m on one of the inhalers mentioned on the Asthma UK website. I have the flu jab every year. I’ve had steroids prescribed twice within the last four months, montelukast once in the last two years and been on oxygen in hospital on a couple of occasions in the last two years as a result of what was presumably ‘just’ a cold turning in to a chest infection. My asthma is however, for the most part, well controlled but sometimes as said, a cold, or hayfever can set it off out of control. I’ve been socially distancing since long before it was suggested and I’ve left the house once in three weeks to get a prescription (I am exercising and dog walking but where we live it’s easy to avoid others). I’m just being very very sensible. However, I don’t have to leave home to work, and I feel very thankful for that. Given that you work for a GP, would you expect them to be understanding of your circumstances do you think?

[ThatsNotMyName123]

@Liverpoolarefab I looked on the asthma page, and I only had two of the things, yet it stated you had to have three things to be considered severe.

I rang my GP and she was reluctant to pass comment, even though I printed with and I classed severe, as I didn't think I was'

She said she can only assume that because I'm referred to respiratory, that will class as severe to the hospital, who sent me the letter.

No one seems to really no much about these letters! My boss is just as baffled and they are GP's too. They are waiting for more info as it seems a lot of mild asthmatics have had the letter who only have a blue on prescription and it's only taken every now and then 🤷🏻‍♀️

[ThatsNotMyName123]

@Judashascomeintosomemoney working for a GP you would think so...but they aren't really that supportive as prefer having staff in.

They don't know apt about these letters either. This lot of letters (phase 2 out of three phases) were sent out on the 3rd.

I was social distancing too and only leave the house for work.

I don't do well just sitting around. I've always been a worker, and tbh I enjoy my job and seeing my colleagues (a break from a baby) and adult talk.

If I have to stay off I do, I wanted to see if they just sent the letter to all asthmatics or particular groups.

I take relvar 184/22 and prescribed montelukast (I don't take anymore as they gave me really bad insomnia)

The only thing I can think of is that I'm classed as under investigation 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Liverpoolarefab]

When Jenny Harris talked about these letters in the daily press conference they explained that they would be automatically generated , and there would be errors - hence if people felt that they should / should not be included they should talk to their GP.

My son is asthmatic, and he has seen a consultant privately for issues relating to it. Afew weeks ago the consultant wrote to us and said that the most important factor is that asthma should be WELL controlled. If it isn't - then get medication to bring it under control.

There is an asthma control test you can do to assess this ( should be able to find this online).

[Bellyfullofbiscuits]

I am sorry,but I don't think you will be furloughed(that is for workplaces where they don't have work)

[ProfessorPootle]

My son hasn't had one, his asthma is well controlled but it is exacerbated by hay fever which has just started. He had blue and brown inhaler and 2+ hospital stays with steroids per year.

[HarveySchlumpfenburger]

If I have to stay off I do, I wanted to see if they just sent the letter to all asthmatics or particular groups.

As far as I can tell your guess is as good as anyone else’s. Having draw up their list, asthma U.K. have had to go back to the DHSC Andy clarify their advice once and now seem to have removed the list. I think they are receiving further guidance.

[Lelophants]

Err collapsed lung sounds pretty dangerous to me!

[Chinnychinnychinnychib]

**I take relvar 184/22 and prescribed montelukast (I don't take anymore as they gave me really bad insomnia)

Asthma nurse here.
You fall into the high risk category because you’re on high dose Relvar.

[Chinnychinnychinnychib]

I’d suggest you shield.

[Chinnychinnychinnychib]

Judashascomeintosomemoney

You too, although what you’re doing sounds very sensible

[Skybluepink123]

My 16 year old dd is on Symbicort 200/6 two puffs twice daily plus reliever when necessary. I’m confused as Asthma Uk did produce a list which included Symbicort but I can’t find it anywhere now.

[ThatsNotMyName123]

@Chinnychinnychinnychib thank you for advice 😊
My asthma nurse is off atm so can't speak with her.

Is
It the relvar alone that puts me at risk?
Asthma UK originally said inhaler wasn't on its own enough. But I see they are updating their advice as they too are confused over the shielding letters.

[kimlo]

I didn't get the sheilding letter but I did get the you are extra vunerable because you get a flu jab, if you need help ring this number letter.

[ThatsNotMyName123]

@kimlo I didn't get that.
I think this is why people are getting confused as some are getting texts, some are getting 'you're vulnerable' letters and others are getting shielding letters.

The only thing I can think of is that people's medical record are either not coded correctly, therefor doesn't promo when doing a search for vulnerable patients, or they are incorrectly coded meaning the wrong people are getting letters 🤷🏻‍♀️

[ThatsNotMyName123]

@Skybluepink123 I think they have removed their previous list based on these letters going out on the 3rd of April, as that have put a new message saying they are sealing further information as a result of the letters

[Chinnychinnychinnychib]

**It the relvar alone that puts me at risk?

Yes - it’s high dose inhaled corticosteroid plus an additional controller

[MayTheGodsBeEverInYourFavour]

I can't find the asthma uk page that lists the specific details of criteria for who should be shielded. Suspect I would be considered higher risk though.

[HarveySchlumpfenburger]

Chinny can I ask about Seretide. I take 250mcg 2 puffs twice a day. Do you know which list that might put me on because I am confused.

[Chinnychinnychinnychib]

Hi Rafals, that dose would put you into the shielding category.

[sylbunny]

This is the new advice for asthma. It has changed since last week.


action.asthma.org.uk/page/58019/-/1?locale=en-GB