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AIBU?

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SIL still isolating due to covid risk

593 replies

dragontears · 01/09/2025 09:22

AIBU to think this is no way to live now? She works from home and will only leave the house for essential errands with mask on. She is terrified of getting long covid. Feels like her life is very very limited for a 38 year old!

Anyone else have people they know in this position? How to support them?

OP posts:
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8
ArseInTheCoOpWindow · 04/09/2025 18:45

Kiwislices · 04/09/2025 18:21

Out of all those, I get to go to doctors and hospitals now. Occasionally I can manage a school pick up or drop off. Long covid.

Me too.

l long for the rest.

Kiwislices · 04/09/2025 18:40

OP, have you asked your SIL what she would accept in order to meet? You can then decide whether you are willing to reduce risk to her or she can decide whether she is willing to increase her risk - it may be that you are both too far apart to find something you are both comfortable with. What I wouldn’t do is downplay the impacts covid can have. I’d be very honest with her about what you are prepared/not prepared to do. If you are expecting her to act as though it’s 2019, I think you’ll be disappointed.

Kiwislices · 04/09/2025 18:21

1970svintageshop · 04/09/2025 16:21

So no holidays, festivals, theatre, fetes, social gatherings, cinema ?

What about exercise ?

How does she think other people go to school, work, hospital, doctors ?

I have been round the world a few times since covir started & to all the above

Crazy !

Out of all those, I get to go to doctors and hospitals now. Occasionally I can manage a school pick up or drop off. Long covid.

1970svintageshop · 04/09/2025 16:21

So no holidays, festivals, theatre, fetes, social gatherings, cinema ?

What about exercise ?

How does she think other people go to school, work, hospital, doctors ?

I have been round the world a few times since covir started & to all the above

Crazy !

Firealarm1414 · 04/09/2025 14:29

The OPs SIL refuses to ever meet her young niece/nephew, seeing them as disease vectors. That is "intolerant and unkind", not the OP who is concerned about her obvious mental illness and about her brother who cant even meet his friends without being punished. Its controlling and abusive behaviour.

Calliopespa · 04/09/2025 14:23

MyLittleNest · 04/09/2025 14:18

Clearly, this woman is mentally ill and it went unchecked until this irrational fear triggered it. For most, Covid is not much worse than a common cold, and it doesn't sounds like she was ever in a high risk bracket. There are many illnesses or dangers out there. I hope DB has the sense not to have children with her.

I don't think that there is anything that you can do. It's her life to waste. I would, however, make it clear that I find this irrational and exhausting and let her know that I will no longer tolerate or support it. Enabling her is not support.

Edited

About fifty percent of the time I hear the term "enabling" it's being used as a self-righteous way of being unsupportive, intolerant or unkind.

StinkyCheeseMoose · 04/09/2025 14:22

dragontears · 01/09/2025 10:10

No, she has never had covid, so fear of the unknown is part of the issue too, I suspect!

Unfortunately, she has probably made herself more vulnerable to serious illness if she gets covid or other colds or flu.

While the rest of us have been living normally and exposing ourselves to covid and other viruses, we have built up natural immunity. Your sister-in-law has denied herself that protection by isolating for five years.

Covid is not the only virus that causes post-viral fatigue and her lack of immunity to all of them will have made her more vulnerable than if she was living a normal life.

Does your brother live in isolation too? If not, how does she protect herself from picking up a virus from him? Has he had covid?

Was she overly concerned about catching colds and flu before covid?

MyLittleNest · 04/09/2025 14:18

Clearly, this woman is mentally ill and it went unchecked until this irrational fear triggered it. For most, Covid is not much worse than a common cold, and it doesn't sounds like she was ever in a high risk bracket. There are many illnesses or dangers out there. I hope DB has the sense not to have children with her.

I don't think that there is anything that you can do. It's her life to waste. I would, however, make it clear that I find this irrational and exhausting and let her know that I will no longer tolerate or support it. Enabling her is not support.

Firealarm1414 · 04/09/2025 13:59

"Long vaccine" syndrome , or post covid vaccination syndrome is also a thing. For some people their body continues making spike protein long after vaccination, with similar symptoms to long covid.

Kiwislices · 04/09/2025 11:24

cobrakaieaglefang · 04/09/2025 11:00

A friend of mine has long covid, she worked in a care home. We were talking about long covid at work, I mentioned my poor friend, a colleague then spouted 'did she have the jabs, thats the reason she's ill, not covid' The rest of us face palmed.

I’m sorry to hear about your friend. There is actually some evidence that the vaccine can reduce risk of long covid. However, vaccine injury is real too.

Another remarkable thing about the vaccine is that people who got long covid prior to being vaccinated are often told that it’s because they…. took the vaccine.

cobrakaieaglefang · 04/09/2025 11:00

A friend of mine has long covid, she worked in a care home. We were talking about long covid at work, I mentioned my poor friend, a colleague then spouted 'did she have the jabs, thats the reason she's ill, not covid' The rest of us face palmed.

Delatron · 04/09/2025 09:54

When I was diagnosed my doctor said ‘oh you athletes are the worst, you always push through when you need to rest. You should be a couch potato like me!’

Then said it could take a year to get better, nothing you can do, just rest.

Delatron · 04/09/2025 09:52

Calliopespa · 04/09/2025 09:47

Another thing I would note along these lines is, even if it is in fact no worse, or no less likely, than "long flu", a lot of ME and CF sufferers are, in a manner of speaking, (rather than genuinely), "glad" about Long Covid as it has drawn attention to post-viral malaise generally, a group of sufferers who have not always had the best support by society or, indeed, the medical profession.

My point, really, is that it doesn't matter if it's "no worse" that that: any post-viral can cause significant impacts - and having yet another virus thrown into the mix can only complicate and not improve the risks.

For me personally i just get on with it as I have children at an age that being cautious would simply become too complicated. But I'm not going to sugar-coat that decision by convincing myself post-viral syndrome is an easy-to-dismiss possibility.

Yes I was going to mention that - Me/CFS sufferers are pleased there’s a bit more attention and research going in to this area. But probably also a bit annoyed that they have been dismissed and ignored for years.

It’s truly debilitating.. I guess ‘post viral fatigue’ just doesn’t sound that bad. Yet you have people that can’t get out of bed for a year!

Calliopespa · 04/09/2025 09:47

Delatron · 04/09/2025 09:37

We can call it Post Covid Syndrome if you like. Doesn’t seem to be going anywhere and if anything it’s affecting more and more healthy people. I am fit (well I was), had a good immune system, healthy diet, healthy weight, no other health issues….I had two jabs and a booster. You know this protects only against severe disease? And the jabs wear off..

I’ve explained the issue with it, is the frequency people are being infected by Covid (versus the flu), the fact that it is continually circulating even in the summer and that we are not developing immunity. You do actually get quite a bit of immunity when you have flu. Therefore ‘long flu’ isn’t really as much as a problem. You can of course have issues for months after having the flu.

I do believe this is going to be a huge problem in the future and will really impact the economy if huge amounts of people are unable to work.

Another thing I would note along these lines is, even if it is in fact no worse, or no less likely, than "long flu", a lot of ME and CF sufferers are, in a manner of speaking, (rather than genuinely), "glad" about Long Covid as it has drawn attention to post-viral malaise generally, a group of sufferers who have not always had the best support by society or, indeed, the medical profession.

My point, really, is that it doesn't matter if it's "no worse" that that: any post-viral can cause significant impacts - and having yet another virus thrown into the mix can only complicate and not improve the risks.

For me personally i just get on with it as I have children at an age that being cautious would simply become too complicated. But I'm not going to sugar-coat that decision by convincing myself post-viral syndrome is an easy-to-dismiss possibility.

lavendermilkshake · 04/09/2025 09:37

Everanewbie · 04/09/2025 09:27

I use quotation marks as I don't believe that the so name "Long COVID" is any different to any other post viral syndrome. I believe it is placed on a pedestal as it has a scary sounding name that trumps "Long Flu". I don't deny its existence but I am sceptical of its prevalence and likelihood to endure. Sorry if that triggers you.

I have no idea what Qdrops is, however, many of the scenes from Italy turned out to be clips from disaster movies, not genuine footage.

And thank you for your wishes as regards to my vascular health. Luckily I benefit from annual check ups and regular blood tests. The greatest threat to my health is isolation, depression, getting fat and too much wine. Another variety of Coronavirus that I've been jabbed for umpteen times, and actually had, well, umpteen times is way down on my list.

It doesn't trigger me, and you're not sorry.

Delatron · 04/09/2025 09:37

We can call it Post Covid Syndrome if you like. Doesn’t seem to be going anywhere and if anything it’s affecting more and more healthy people. I am fit (well I was), had a good immune system, healthy diet, healthy weight, no other health issues….I had two jabs and a booster. You know this protects only against severe disease? And the jabs wear off..

I’ve explained the issue with it, is the frequency people are being infected by Covid (versus the flu), the fact that it is continually circulating even in the summer and that we are not developing immunity. You do actually get quite a bit of immunity when you have flu. Therefore ‘long flu’ isn’t really as much as a problem. You can of course have issues for months after having the flu.

I do believe this is going to be a huge problem in the future and will really impact the economy if huge amounts of people are unable to work.

ArseInTheCoOpWindow · 04/09/2025 09:31

MoveOverToTheSea · 03/09/2025 17:38

Some people and doctors think that tbh….
You just have to look at the advice people get - graded exercise and CBT 😢

The DecodeME study has found ME is linked to 8 specific genes.

These genes aren’t affected by LC.

This was a massive study, the results were published about a month ago.

ME has a genetic component.

Everanewbie · 04/09/2025 09:27

lavendermilkshake · 03/09/2025 23:35

There are a number of posters on this thread detailing their experience of suffering from Long Covid. You put the term in quote marks, to underline your belief it is not a big deal. That is rude, and ignorant.

Surprised you didn't say 'face nappies'. I don't think anyone on this thread is still behaving as OP's SIL, but a few of us have pointed out Covid is not 'just a cold', and also that it is the SIL's life and her choice.

As far as Italy goes, you fell for that?

Oh, right. I bet you were one of those people eagerly awaiting Qdrops!

Good luck with your future vascular (and neurological) health. You remain ignorant on that front, also.

I use quotation marks as I don't believe that the so name "Long COVID" is any different to any other post viral syndrome. I believe it is placed on a pedestal as it has a scary sounding name that trumps "Long Flu". I don't deny its existence but I am sceptical of its prevalence and likelihood to endure. Sorry if that triggers you.

I have no idea what Qdrops is, however, many of the scenes from Italy turned out to be clips from disaster movies, not genuine footage.

And thank you for your wishes as regards to my vascular health. Luckily I benefit from annual check ups and regular blood tests. The greatest threat to my health is isolation, depression, getting fat and too much wine. Another variety of Coronavirus that I've been jabbed for umpteen times, and actually had, well, umpteen times is way down on my list.

cramptramp · 04/09/2025 08:38

lavendermilkshake · 03/09/2025 23:42

The SIL hasn't got kids.

I didn’t say she had. I’m talking generally.

ArseInTheCoOpWindow · 04/09/2025 08:36

Kiwislices · 04/09/2025 01:18

There were some spurious assumptions in lockdown - children being unlikely to spread it for one. It can cross species, but not between a 17 and 18 year old. I doubt this was ever believed, because why would schools have been closed to many?!

What I really struggle to understand NOW is why when hospitals become more and more overwhelmed each winter, with hospital acquired infections leading to longer stays and worse outcomes including death, when a myriad of health conditions are increasing in nhs staff, when the reason for lockdown was hospitals being unable to cope, do we do pretty much nothing to reduce nosocomial transmission?

Children being unlikely to spread it, was l swear a lie as they didn’t want to close schools, or have teachers leaving.

Lots of teachers in their 50’s left. They weren’t born yesterday.

Calliopespa · 04/09/2025 07:50

Kiwislices · 04/09/2025 01:18

There were some spurious assumptions in lockdown - children being unlikely to spread it for one. It can cross species, but not between a 17 and 18 year old. I doubt this was ever believed, because why would schools have been closed to many?!

What I really struggle to understand NOW is why when hospitals become more and more overwhelmed each winter, with hospital acquired infections leading to longer stays and worse outcomes including death, when a myriad of health conditions are increasing in nhs staff, when the reason for lockdown was hospitals being unable to cope, do we do pretty much nothing to reduce nosocomial transmission?

I think because people got too cross and, actually, frightened by those times. To me there's an element of head in sand. The more it scares you, the louder you shout that it doesn't matter.

Kiwislices · 04/09/2025 01:18

There were some spurious assumptions in lockdown - children being unlikely to spread it for one. It can cross species, but not between a 17 and 18 year old. I doubt this was ever believed, because why would schools have been closed to many?!

What I really struggle to understand NOW is why when hospitals become more and more overwhelmed each winter, with hospital acquired infections leading to longer stays and worse outcomes including death, when a myriad of health conditions are increasing in nhs staff, when the reason for lockdown was hospitals being unable to cope, do we do pretty much nothing to reduce nosocomial transmission?

lavendermilkshake · 03/09/2025 23:42

cramptramp · 03/09/2025 19:42

I think it’s a form of abuse to raise children like this and SS should be involved.

The SIL hasn't got kids.

lavendermilkshake · 03/09/2025 23:35

Everanewbie · 03/09/2025 15:40

If you take my opinion to be rude, so be it. If you find opposing opinion rude, maybe you are better hiding under a mask in your own home.

As far as Italy goes, you fell for that? Presumably you fell for those videos of people waiting for a bus spontaneously collapsing?

There are a number of posters on this thread detailing their experience of suffering from Long Covid. You put the term in quote marks, to underline your belief it is not a big deal. That is rude, and ignorant.

Surprised you didn't say 'face nappies'. I don't think anyone on this thread is still behaving as OP's SIL, but a few of us have pointed out Covid is not 'just a cold', and also that it is the SIL's life and her choice.

As far as Italy goes, you fell for that?

Oh, right. I bet you were one of those people eagerly awaiting Qdrops!

Good luck with your future vascular (and neurological) health. You remain ignorant on that front, also.

LouH1981 · 03/09/2025 20:08

My vaccinated, fit, healthy and young friend died from Covid.
She’s an adult, just respect her decisions. You choose not to live this way and she does.

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