SIL still isolating due to covid risk

I had to shield. It terrified me. I was naturally forced back to work in a school so had to get over it... it actually helped having that push. I had counselling. I then got pregnant and had to shield while the rest of the world was pretty much normal... it was awful. I really feel for her as I am the same age, understand the worry, and would probably still be there if work hadn't given me the push I needed. She does need some support, but if she won't take it there isn't much anyone can do. I feel.for her as she must be very lonely and scared.

Yes you are right - especially with her age. Almost everyone in the long covid support groups I've seen have been women a couple of years either side of 50. (personally I suspect it fucks with inflammation and menopause.)

Have you spoke to her or your sibling about it (depending on who is their sibling in your family)? What do they think?

I'm not at an increased risk of catching Covid or the flu, but I am at an increased risk of them being severe if I do catch them.
During the pandemic I was having dental treatment and oral surgery and had to regularly use Corsodyl mouthwash; it turns out that rinsing and gargling with salt water, Corsodyl or Listerine gives some protection against Covid. I do it before I go out and when I get home, I also haven't had a serious cold or the flu since I started doing it.
Tell your SIL, if you google there are multiple studies and articles.

I also think she needs mental health help

In the mean time l would not be enabling all of this e.g. she needs to sort her own food deliveries etc

I’ve had PTSD from mine. It’s just horrific.

My nervous system was so dysregulated l kept getting this awful adrenaline rushes that were terrifying. I can’t forget them but can’t bear to speak about them either.

No, but I’m careful when l go out. Avoid indoor crowds. Travelling l would wear a mask,

She needs some help for her mental health. It’s no way to live and not normal now.

It’s a mental health issue really. I know an older person like this. Could you persuade her to talk to her GP. @ArseInTheCoOpWindow that is absolutely terrible. Long Covid is a risk but at the same time we can’t all stay at home for ever.

This is a psychiatric problem.

Have you tried to broach this with her - ‘how can we help you move forward and have a more normal life’.

This is now a mental health issue I would say. I am not sure howyou support her, but depending on the family relationship, can you or your DH or someone suggest gently to her that she see a doctor and seek help for her health anxiety. Does she have a partner/DC? Becuase if she does, she's harming them too.

@ArseInTheCoOpWindow I am sorry you are experiencing this. It really is awful. But it is not a reason for an otherwise healthy person to still be isolating.

It's tricky. I also have long covid (4 years) and do limit where I go (theatre/planes) because a reinfection is likely to set me back again to being bed-bound.

Does your SIL know anyone with long covid? Does she have other conditions that mean she's vulnerable?

It's very difficult because we all want to LIVE but I think if you've had LC or seen someone with it, it's pretty fucking terrifying.

She needs some psychiatric help. That's no life at all.

I know someone like this OP but she's 80 ... that's tragic at 38. I'm not sure how you deal with it though. She needs help.

I find it odd that they narrow their lives so much because of fear but that life isn't really worth living now .... so you may as well risk getting ill. I know that's a very black and white outlook though and it's more complex.

So should everyone just stay at home? I say this as the wife of someone immunosuppressed and we isolated heavily during the pandemic. But we're past that now.

I’ve had long COVID for 2 years. It’s been the most horrific and terrifying time of my life. I was in bed unable to do anything at all for the first year.

Can’t say l blame her.