Asthma and self Isolation

[Dumakey]

I appreciate that this has already been covered but I genuinely don't know what to do for the best.

I have had Asthma all my adult life, it is generally well controlled with inhalers, however, every year I get a cold I always develop a chest infection that has to be treated with antibiotics. Last January (2019) I contracted the flu and it put me in hospital.

I am due to go to work on Sunday, only work part-time, in a busy customer facing role and am terrified.

I have been following the social distancing rules and haven't been going out or mixing with friends/family, children are home from school.

Will I lose my job if I decide to isolate?

No, your employer has a duty under health and safety of staff. Ring in and tell tnem you are self isolating for 12 weeks due to cronuc asthma. I get it too. Last year I had to be put on to a nebulizer twice and hospitalised once. I know how scary it is to gasp for every breath. Do not put yourself at risk as this Covid19 virus attacks the lungs and airways. Stay home, stay safe.

My asthma is not as bad as that and I would have to think twice about doing that. you should not go.

Put it this way - why would you avoidably put yourself at the risk of taking up an icu bed when it is (or should be) completely acceptable for someone fairly recently hospitalised with a lung issue to be self-isolating at home.

It must be a very stressful situation for you. It is actually quote hard for conscientious people to get their head round the fact that not going to work is not a selfish act but a sensible one!

I wouldn't go in. Not worth the risk. I'm not coping with my husband still working in an office as I have asthma. I wish he didnt have to go in :(

Thank you for your replies.

It's so difficult to know what to do. I don't want to be seen as a drama Queen trying to get out of working. To be honest, with the kids home indefinitely work will provide a level of sanity.

The jury’s out on how much the virus affects asthmatics, but I would consider you vulnerable.

Self-isolate and, if it helps, just tell work you or one of the kids has a cough.

Put yourself first.