Positive Postie

[PoppingCandies]

3 days ago I took delivery of a parcel. Postman was wearing a mask and handed me the parcel. We talked for maybe 30 seconds and we were about a meter away from each other.

He lives next door to my mum who tells me that his wife had called her tonight to say she wouldn't be able to call like normal because her husband has tested positive.

How much do I need to worry about my exposure to the virus? I was shielding last time and about to go back into shielding so I'm nervous.

He was outside and I was in the doorway

I I'm sure you'll be absolutely fine, you were outside and he was wearing a mask.

The risk in that situation is very very low.

Thank you DH has been trying to tell me the same. I'm just so worried about catching it. I feel like I won't sleep for the next 2 weeks until I know I'm safe.

So the postman’s wife usually visits your mum? When’s did you last see your mum? As that sounds like more of a risk of transmission.

Yes she drops in on my mum to check how she is about once a week or so. I thought that was too long ago to be a risk. But maybe I need to be more concerned about my mum too? The wife has no symptoms.

The wife could be pre symptomatic as could your mum.

I suppose that is true. In for a really scary waiting game now.

Have you seen your mum recently? Don’t be scared.

Only outside for walks since things started looking bad again. I'm more worried about her.

But if the postman is only just showing symptoms; his wife has no symptoms and your mum hasn’t seen his wife for a while your mum should be ok.

I am just letting anxiety get the better of me @DownWhichOfLate. I have been told by my Doctors to do as much as I can to avoid catching it and now I have had exposure to a confirmed case. I have a very young son. I am scared I am going to leave him without a mother. I know that isn't rational.

I know it’s scary but unless you left out the part where he took the mask off so you could snog him then I think the risk is minimal.
I get it though. I’ve just received the scary updated advice email for those who had t shield last time. But had to do a supermarket shop tonight or no one eats tomorrow. I’m just trying to dial back the fear and keep it in proportion.

I’m sorry @PoppingCandies. Anxiety is terrible, I understand. Honestly, I think you’ll be ok! And your mum should be as well. Please try to not worry about your very brief exchange with your postman. The chances of catching it from him a so very ridiculously tiny! When you start to think about it distract yourself any way possible. Start your online Xmas shopping?! That’s what I’ve been doing.

Thanks @Wolfiefan. There was no snogging as far as I remember. I hope you keep yourself well. It is a scary time for all shielders and their families at the moment. Just need to learn to step away from the fear and the news!

I don’t watch the news. I get DH to give me the very edited highlights. I do get attacks of “the FEAR” but use my CBT and try and distract myself or reason it out.
Take care OP and no snogging!