Is sleep apnea considered an underlying / vulnerable condition ?

[52andblue]

Just that really.
I have this, and use a full face Cpap mask at night as otherwise I stop breathing (sleep disordered breathing).
I am sole carer for two young teenagers with Autism. I receive Carers allowance as their DLA award is high enough to enable that.
It's just occurred to me that this might make me more vulnerable too? I appreciate that Coronavirus is mild for most, and I have no other risk factors but I need to stay well for them.
Does anyone know please?

I’ve not seen it listed anywhere on the vulnerable or exceptionally vulnerable lists

Perhaps you need to ask your consultant. When is your next review?

There's some info about it here OP www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/our-services/sleep-disorders-centre/coronavirus-update-osa.aspx

If your sleep apnea is due to obesity then I would say the obesity is the main one you should consider, not sleep apnea itself.

@iVampire - I've not had a review since diagnosis 4 years ago?

@BamboozledandBefuddled - oh, that's perfect, thank you (sorry, didnt know that was 'out there' as it were) x

@yarncakes BMI was 45, have worked v hard and it's now 25.
Still have the apnea though.

Bloody right you've worked hard - that's fantastic

I am in awe of your hard work. I'm also responsible for a child with autism and I'm medically higher risk. I feel that I have to try very hard to stay well as a carer.

Honestly, I would be a bit concerned as it’s a respiratory condition. ‘There is no evidence’ isn’t the same as ‘this definitely won’t happen’.

PS wow you’ve done amazingly

Do you definitely still have sleep apnea, how can you know if you have not had a review for 4 years. How do they adjust the pressures on the machines and do they send you new masks?

CPAP is actually one of the treatments used to treat C19.

Without the weight loss I'd have said yes it could definitely make you vulnerable.
You done really well reducing your BMI.
Try not to worry.

That's amazing well done!

Well done on the weight loss!

You don’t seem sure about when you last saw a consultant

One general rule of thumb in maintaining the exceptionally vulnerable / shield list is whether your condition is managed by a consultant. Rule of thumb is that if you do not need consultant monitoring, then you do not need to shield (previously or if/when it’s reimposed in autumn)

Following the guidelines for the long list vulnerable (aka flu jab group) would be sensible.

So reducing the number of contacts you have, minimising the time you spend indoors other than in your own hone, diligent social distancing (minimum 2 m unless other person is in a mask) and good hand hygiene

To be fair lots of conditions managed by a consultant don’t mean shielding. I’d follow the guidelines for being vulnerable, not very vulnerable / shielding.

Wow!. Not the point but how did you lose the weight? I wonder if I have sleep apnea zzz

(Im obese and asthmatic and vulnerable but not shielding, but even those shilding are now returning to work)

thank you everyone for your helpful replies

@Gingerkittykat
That's a very good point! I've not had a review as there are only 2 places in Scotland that have a clinic and they are a very long distance for me to travel (like 100+ miles) and I've not been able to get there. I should have tried harder but there isn't anyone reliable to have the kids atm if I need another overnight sleep study etc so I've let it slide.
I think I still have it as if I don't use my mask I get my symptoms back

@iVampire
this is really sensible yes

Re the weight - a long slow 2 year grind of being conscious about the calorie content of every single mouthful. I will always have to be.
I reduced sugar, simple carbs, and eat mostly protein and veg. No booze. I cant move a lot (physically disabled) so that's really limiting.
I am relieved I've sorted that potential issue for myself.
I don't have generalised health anxiety but I am conscious that I have an especial duty to my kids with them having extra needs and no other family. It's a bit of a perfect storm in that respect so I try not to take unnecessary risks (every time you go out in a car etc) and just wondered about the Apnea thing as it is a breathing issue and Covid 19 causes breathing problems for some people.
Good to know I just need to err on the side of caution if there is a resurgence over the winter. Thank you everyone x