Question about self isolation

[Threeboxesinapile]

It’s been over 10 years since I had cancer. I went through a rough time with chemotherapy and it really weakened my immune system. Every year when I get a cough or cold - it absolutely incapacitated me. I work in a prison - admin but with prisoner contact-so not the healthiest of places. My employers called me in and said they would pay me if I did self isolate. I feel absolutely fine at the moment but am really nervous of picking up an infection.I am actually on a weeks leave at the moment and not sure whether to go back but if I stay off how long for. I have a feeling that all non essential staff may be stood down if things get worst. I am in a quandary what to do- I feel guilty if I feel ok and it’s been so long since I had cancer but I can’t bear the thought of being incapacitated again.

I am a widow and live alone.

Take it. There's no point waiting until you don't feel fine as by that point it will be too late. You are high risk so if you are offered paid self-isolation you should grab it with both hands.

Hiya can you work from home?
I'm not surprised you're worried, that makes absolute sense and maybe your gut is telling you that you need to stay away from work at present. You are vulnerable.
I understand the guilt but honestly it's misplaced. You need to prioritise your health

Your employer is being great

Is it perhaps that by agreeing to self isolate your brain is forced to acknowledge how bad things could be?

Thank you - can’t really work from home - not allowed to take prisoner details out or bring a client home .
My cancer was so long ago and despite the missing body parts I am getting on great with life until I get a cough or cold which are so much worse than they were pre treatment.
I am lucky to have understanding colleagues and bosses who say to priories me but I do feel a fraud. Thanks for answering

You are the exact type of person who needs to shield themselves at home for the next 12 weeks. If you get covid19 you will probably be in real trouble. It is lunacy to risk it. When you are dead/very poorly .. that's it.dont want to scare you but there are no second chances if you do get a bad dose of it.