To think people need to be released from the idea that they must 'stay safe'?

[TheDailyCarbuncle]

IMO people's heads have been messed with on an absolutely massive scale during this pandemic. So many people seem to be locked into the idea that they absolutely must avoid getting covid at all costs, no matter what, to the extent that they're convinced that if they don't do everything possible to 'stay safe' then they're definitely going to die.

I genuinely think that the extent to which governments around the world have convinced people that the only thing that matters is this virus is a far far far bigger problem than the virus itself. I think governments are too cowardly to say what needs to be said, which is that there is no way to prevent everyone from getting it, and that attempting to prevent it is causing so many other problems that it just can't be done any more.

I think people are being driven around the twist with the idea that this threat is out there, lurking at all times, waiting to get them. It's like a form of mental torture, with people questioning everything and worrying about everything, while the economy crumbles around them.

There is no guarantee of a vaccine or of more effective treatments. There is every chance that covid will still be circulating, along with every other virus, in 2030. You could do everything absolutely 'right' now and still get it next year or in five years.

I get the fact that it was new, unprecedented, etc. But where do we draw the line? When will the acceptance come? When it's too late and there's no way to restore the millions of jobs lost? When economies have collapsed so much that poverty, violence and starvation make covid look like a walk in the park?

This is what i posted elsewhere so has more detail
HeIenaDove Sun 28-Jun-20 03:11:05
Summer 2005 Impetigo on bottom lip Caused by humidity. As told by my GP Treated with cream and antibiotics.
18 month gap then......
Jan 2007 Another flare up Same place. Due to stress Treated again with same antibiotics and cream
Four and half year gap.............July 2011 Another flare up just before school reunion caused by stress and humidity. Treated again with antibiotics and cream
Six month gap January 2012 due to stress Treated again with antibiotics and cream.
2 years and 9 months gap

October 2014
Another flare up. 23 and 24 Oct was humid and warm. Treated again with same cream and antibiotics.

Been clear now for five years and eight months I intend to keep it that way.

The bacteria that causes this THRIVES in humid weather. Under a mask in the summer is the perfect breeding ground.

It has taken me YEARS to get out of this cycle. I will NOT be attending a hair appointment anytime soon despite the fact i would bloody love to..

If they bring this in for non essential shops i wont be setting foot in them. I would rather walk around in rags with grey hair than put myself at risk of developing this skin condition again.

Incidentally its VERY contagious Its also likely i would now have to wait weeks for a GP appointment to get the antibiotics and fucidin cream which you can only get on prescription. i would NOT be stopping at home for weeks Already done that in case i have asymptomatic Covid. So it would be kind of ironic if i didnt/couldnt stay home for weeks because of an infection i would actually HAVE caused by a law thats been brought in. And i wouldnt be able to wear a mask which would rub against the weeping crusting sore i would have.

The best thing for me and others would be for me to avoid ANYWHERE that brings this in. Have stopped using public transport and wont be going to hairdressers.

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Add message | Report | Message poster | QuoteHeIenaDove Sun 28-Jun-20 03:13:42
I am unable to wear foundation because of this. GPs have told me to let my skin breathe

The article about PHE Some GP comments are at the bottom.

www.pulsetoday.co.uk/clinical/clinical-specialties/prescribing/gps-should-not-prescribe-antibiotics-for-impetigo-says-nice/20039181.article

GPs should not prescribe antibiotics for impetigo, says NICE
14 August 2019 By Beth Gault

The guidelines, from NICE and Public Health England (PHE), say that GPs should recommend topical antiseptic instead of antibiotics, with the aim of reducing antimicrobial resistance.

It found that antiseptics, such as hydrogen peroxide 1% cream, were just as effective as topical antibiotics and therefore should be prescribed instead.

However, the guidelines state that GPs can still prescribe an oral antibiotic if the non-bullous impetigo is widespread, or the patient is systematically unwell or at risk of complications.

Non-bullous impetigo is the more common form of skin infection, usually starting with a rash of small, pus-filled blisters, compared to bullous impetigo, which presents with sores and intact blisters, according to the British Skin Foundation.

It is highly infectious and although usually clears up within two to three weeks without treatment, it is usually treated with an antibiotic to prevent the spread of infection and speed up recovery, according to NICE.

A spokesperson from NICE said: ‘NICE now say that topical antiseptics should be offered to people with localised, non-bullous impetigo if they aren’t systemically unwell or at risk of developing any complications.

If antiseptic treatment is not suitable, or a person has widespread non-bullous impetigo, a topical antibiotic should be given instead (fusidic acid 2%). An oral antibiotic (flucloxacillin) is also an option for people with widespread non-bullous impetigo and should be given first line if the person has bullous impetigo or if they are systemically unwell or at risk of developing any complications.’

The guidance also included that GPs should not combine a topical and oral antibiotic to treat impetigo, as using both is ‘no more effective’ than using one.

It follows a pledge by the Government to cut antibiotics prescribing by a further 15%.

David Banner | GP Partner/Principal14 Aug 2019 5:21pm

I’m sure that those impetigo patients subsequently admitted with “sepsis” will be perfectly satisfied that their GP failed to prescribe an antibiotic

Nick Mann | Salaried GP15 Aug 2019 1:02pm

Facial impetigo is likely to represent URT carriage of pathogenic Staph/Strep.

Topical treatment of any kind does nothing to address this.
The patient remains a risk to themselves and to any contacts.
Cases of neumonia, sepsis and scarlet fever have increased. Who is researching the impact/harms of not treating

Too many agenda guidelines based on too little medical evidence.

Carpe vinum! | GP Partner/Principal15 Aug 2019 1:59pm

and then what about school absence? The HPA advice is exclusion from school until 48 hours after antibiotics commenced, or until lesions have crusted and healed. So parents to keep kids off school for 2-3 weeks under the above guidance - I'm sure that's going to go down well on the school attendance record!

Sorry, I know its a bit of a merail.

OP im sorry you have lost people

Im still doing 2m social distancing

Only shopping for essentials

Not going to visit anyone.

Im doing everything that i can.

HeIenaDove

I wonder if you could use a skin prep like hibiscrub before wearing a mask if you ever needed to wear one? I've got no idea if it's effective but I wonder if it's worth discussing with the GP? They ask patients to bathe with it prior to going in for surgery because it reduces bacteria on the skin so it would possibly work.

Hooves Thank You very much for the info. Id never heard of it.

@HeIenaDove

Hooves Thank You very much for the info. Id never heard of it.

You're welcome. As I said, I've got no idea if it would work but it's a bit of lateral thinking. Worth mentioning it to the GP in case you are in a situation where you have to wear a mask.

Our surgery is Virgin Care now so its always a struggle to get an appointment but having checked it out on the Boots website its only £7.00 so cheap too. Theyve sold out but will check my local Boots later today.

Its something to bear in mind should i ever need to visit a medical setting Hair can wait though. I wont do it just for that.

Maybe a pharmacist could advise you if you can't see your GP?

Yes i will ask when i go in Thanks

@Whoknowswhocares

The problem as I see it is that people wanting to continue very strict measures for everyone for an unlimited time and scared to leave their houses seem to believe that a delay will halt the disease and we can get to a point where the risk has gone. The reality is we can delay the spread, but have no current way to prevent it. That’s the cold, hard truth right now.

Whilst delaying that inevitable spread, countless other ways to suffer are being endured or stored up. Businesses failing, medical needs in other areas deferred,mental health trashed, kids education on hold, social services not tracking at risk children etc etc etc.

With none of the measures actually having the effect of STOPPING covid, merely delaying it

What I honestly don't understand is why we are not doing what we can to help reduce infections, which would help us move forwards.

Masks work. If basically everyone wears them, they help reduce transmission. So make them mandatory, and I would feel more minded to go to e.g. a museum and then I would spend some money etc.

We have huge issues here (England) because we have consistently not done the things that would make a difference.

This whole pandemic response has been a tussle between 'stay at home' and 'get out there like it is normal' and neither is right.

I was chatting to my professor about this a couple of days ago. That what we need is a couple of countries to step up to the plate and follow the 'crack on, it is mild for most, nothing to see here' rhetoric.

Brazil and the US have put their hands up, it would seem.

@emojisarentwords

I completely understand your concerns about the economy. However, it seems counterproductive for us to aim for a thriving economy when we cant enjoy it because we are all dead. There needs to be a balance, we need to try different ways to keep the economy going as well as keeping people safe.

because we are all dead

Proving the OP’s point perfectly there.

AdultFishcakes - was just about to say the same, I hadn't realised we had gone up to 100% mortality rate

because we are all dead

🙈 I blame the media.

@TheDailyCarbuncle

I'm trying to understand this attitude. No one actually wants to get it - no one wants to get any illness. My point is that expecting never to get it isn't realistic

It’s not about never getting it, it’s about slowing the rate at which people get it so that the health service can cope.

If everyone gets is gradually and slowly then everyone who needs medical care can have it. Whereas if we all get it together then people who would otherwise recover with medical help will die because there is no capacity to help them.

Don’t forget that while deaths are being reported widely there’s a % who need to be in hospital or in ICU to recover.

I agree 100% with PP that the way this country is ignoring obvious and simple measures like mandatory masks is bonkers.

we need is a couple of countries to step up to the plate and follow the 'crack on, it is mild for most, nothing to see here' rhetoric.
Brazil and the US have put their hands up, it would seem.

Did you conclude they would be an enticement for others to follow?

Just heard ‘very disturbing’ on R4 re US.

The op mentions Sweden, a nicer thought, but do Brazil and US hold up for a good role country

When looking at US figures remember it’s official poverty rate is over 11% and there is a very direct link between poverty and severity of Covid-19. See also Brazil. There are sociopolitical reasons for the way those countries have responded.

Sweden has one of the highest per capita death rates in the world

www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/03/architect-of-sweden-coronavirus-strategy-admits-too-many-died-anders-tegnell

Speaking as someone from Leicester I don't think it's that simple, but I do think there needs to be a balance.

This is particularly important for those who need to work to survive (most of us), and children who need to be in school.

Hand washing, masks and social distancing aren't hard to do. It's about protecting everyone, not just yourself.

I don't think this is a bad thing.

The first two yes, SD is hard though. Depending on the distance you mean

What do you want people to do then OP? just die? Thousands and thousands of people have died, we all know this isn't the common cold. Anyone with very common conditions like asthma or diabetes is at significant risk. Are they just going to accept they could die and go to the pub anyway?

I thought I was on the school thread there! I meant in schools.

Yes I agree SD easier outside that.