Has anyone self isolating got it after staying in?

[Helenj1977]

Just wondering really.

We're being really careful with deliveries, not going anywhere or near anyone. I keep thinking we're safe but we're not are we.

bumblingbovine
My son's consultant said the childrens ward have been told to take children up to the age of 18 now

Thank you all. Trying desperately to keep this out of our house but I fear I can't forever. This has put my mind at ease on that part.

I haven’t but I’ve been so scared about it. 5 days including today until I’ll hit the 2 week quarantine mark. My OH has been home longer - but as we live in a flat he has to go down to put the bins out. He’s been super careful, anti-bacing the door handles, clothes straight in the washer and then he goes for a shower. We’ve also had a family member drop off essentials from a distance and have a food delivery coming next week. We’ve been so careful but I still don’t feel safe .

I don’t know how to post links but there was a good article in the Washington Post on why the risk from shopping, deliveries, etc is low and sensible ways to manage the risk (that don’t involve disinfecting strawberries!). Reports of traces of the virus on surfaces can be really unhelpful as they don’t at all tell you whether there is enough of the virus present after those times for it to infect you.

We have been in isolation for 2 weeks and cleaning everything including anything that has been delivered. The moment I let my toddler into the garden to burn off their boundless energy my neighbour was out with her kids and guess what, they were almost hugging. Passing things over the fence to each other and at one point her son put the dummy back into my childs mouth which had been thrown over the low fence. She then went on to tell me about her many shopping trips, her partner is at work (retail) and her father in law is Ill. It's just a cold though, apparently. When I told the children to try stay apart she shouted 'we haven't got no diseases you know!' To which I responded 'and how would you know?' . It took me many attempts for me to stress how seriously I am taking it and the levels of anxiety I am suffering with because of it for her to finally realise that I was being serious. We could be in most of the day but the moment she sees us in the garden she comes out with her kids, when we go in so does she. So irritating.

Anti-bac won’t work. This is a virus!

Very difficult for children to understand, I know. But the mum thinks nothing of it, might aswell have one big garden party together the way she treats it. I honestly think a lot of ppl dont think it's that serious.

Do other viruses live on surfaces like this one apparently does??

I’m pretty certain chicken pox does. That’s why you’re not meant to go out until the last spot scabs over.

Yes other viruses live on surfaces too.

We have been thinking about this as well. Especially for food deliveries as I can’t ‘quarantine’ them. We are hand washing a lot as usual, and always after taking in anything, and cleaning surfaces, handles etc. We have been isolating for nearly 2 weeks (‘shielding’). I figure like others have said, at the very least our risk is now significantly reduced and we’re also not contributing to the spread. That is the best we can do, and just be ready if one or more of us does get seriously ill (the shielding letter suggested having a hospital bag ready, which did alarm me a bit, but I appreciate it is sensible advice!).

It is easy to let this panic us, but let’s try to focus on the positives and what is within our control

@Helenj1977 children can't go alone as you have to consent to any treatment etc. And it would be inhumane!!

So many awful rumours!

@Helenj1977 @Gwenhwyfar

Thanks for the suggestions. I've found it difficult with most initiatives because our parents aren't shielded. But a lot of old people with the likes of hypertension, asthma and diabeties haven't made the shielding list. Honestly, I think that list has done more harm than good. So many vulnerable people who didn't make the list no longer consider themselves vulnerable, and many people such as those over 80 cannot get help because they didn't make the list. But the evidence so far suggests these are the people dying.

I'll certainly look into those suggestions though. I guess a community group is more likely to be useful than a scheme by a store or government.

Do other viruses live on surfaces

The measles virus certainly does, it's a tough bastard. It needs a safe zone is about 10m too, luckily coronavirus is a weak, pathetic thing in comparison.

Shmabel - you don't need to be shielded for the Mutual Aid volunteer groups. Look them up on FB. They're for everyone even healthy young people staying in just in case because they've got a bit of a cough. It's in all our interests to help people stay in doors.

"the shielding letter suggested having a hospital bag ready"

I've been considering that even as a healthy person, just in case and because I live alone. Did they give any suggestions of what to include? Everything online is for women giving birth.

Thank you to those who have refuted that children will go to hospital alone. I've been so scared of this. My children both have autism and the thought of them being alone has been excruciating.

Unless you stay shielded until there is a vaccine you are going to get it at some point. We’re trying to slow it down so the health service can cope not stop us all getting it. Unless your kids have serious underlying health issues they are very unlikely to go to hospital with it.

Nhs 111 have confirmed a child would not go without a parent. They need someone with P R to sign for consent for starters. So really don't worry about that x

It's more than that though Really. Doctors across the world are fast learning how to treat this virus, various drugs are being tried to see what can help. If you have to get it, the time to do so is months from now when it's better understood.

The 'hospital bag ready' has really got me.

I think I'll put one together just in case. I've read that people go down hill very quickly.

@Gwenhwyfar it was fairly straightforward, it says:

• include your emergency contact
• a list of the medications you take (including dose and frequency)
• any information on your planned care appointments
• things you would need for an overnight stay (snacks, pyjamas, toothbrush, medication and so on)
• if you have an advanced care plan, please include that

So basically, for most people (ie not vulnerable) that would be clothes, snacks, basic toiletries and medication. I would add in a portable charger (if available) and phone, it would be a scary time and the ability to call/video/message a loved one would probably be welcome, provided they’re well enough to do so.

...consultant said the childrens ward have been told to take children up to the age of 18 now
That has made me feel a bit better thanks ( admittedly about a hopefully very unlikely scenario)

"for most people (ie not vulnerable) that would be clothes, snacks, basic toiletries and medication. I would add in a portable charger (if available) and phone"

Thanks. I don't keep snacks at home or I just eat them so I'd go without that. Wouldn't you be fed at the hospital anyway if you were admitted?

@Helenj1977, yes other viruses do. In fact some survive much longer and are much more resistant - e.g. Norovirus (which causes 90% viral stomach bugs) survives for up to a month on some types of surface.