DH just tested positive but we have 3 DCs who are clinically extremely vulnerable.

[Dogatetheleftovers]

DH just received email informing him that he’s had a positive test. Not surprising really when lots of colleagues have it. But he’s tried to be really vigilant, wearing kn95 masks, hand washing etc because of our kids. Now that he’s tested positive, coughing, tight chest, fatigued, we’re left wondering what to do. The DCs are teenagers so old enough to understand the risks and to know that they’ve all had shielding letters. I’ve had one as well. I’m terrified now and I know we’ve got to wait 14 days to see if one of us has it too. Already one dc has temperature and headache! Anyone offer any kind words of support or advice, it would be most welcome.

That's so scary. Are they CEV or just have underlying conditions? Think its different for IE asthma vs immunodeficient

Hand hold here too.
You sound like you have a lot on your plate.
If you have time there is a really interesting programme on the BBC about boosting your immune system.

Isolate as much as possible but don't panic. I had CV19 just before Xmas in mid-December but my 89 yo DMum (who lives with us) seems to have escaped. So you may be ok! Good luck!

Second the ventilation. Whack up heating and have all windows at least ajar. Have stern words with your dog too. Vomiting indeed! Tell dog it's not their turn for attention. 😆

Can a neighbour or friend do printing and drop through letterbox? Switch phone alarms off and sleep loads.

I'm so sorry this is happening to you, it sounds so very hard. You are my new hero, so brave! Your DH should isolate 100% and if you don't have 2 bathrooms he must bleach it afterwards. Keep windows open a jar 24/7. Mask up everyone if you can (esp. yourself!) and keep everyone away from the other much as you can. Disinfect all common touch surfaces at least 2 times at day. dirty plates from DH straight into dishwasher (or get paper even better). Don't watch TV, enough to freak anyone out.

My daughter had it in dec along with about 15 others in her class. Not one got very ill from it - my daughter was the worst (history of immune issues..) and even then I've seen her worse with a bad case of flu. Anything out the ordinary can easily put her in hospital normally but this was mild. She had a couple of rough days but seriously nothing to write home about.

Add all emergency protocols to an email ready to send to whomever needs it if it comes to that (overcome printer issue!).

Also forgot to say we escaped unscathed as well

Another hand hold here. I hope your DH recovers quickly and nobody else tests positive

I had covid in July and nobody else in my household got unwell.

Fingers crossed x

Try not to panic. I have a friend who's family all had covid before Christmas. The 15 year old son is cev. He was born at 24 weeks, has cerebral palsy and regularly in hospital with pneumonia and other illnesses. Amazingly he had the mild version.

That sounds like a lot of people and issues to feel responsible for when you're not feeling so good OP. Do you have a relative or close friend who you could ask to "buddy" you for the next week or so - keep lists for you, deliver anything you need, just be available for you to ring or message and think things through with?

No advice just another hand hold from me. It sounds so stressful. I will have my fingers crossed that you will all get through this absolutely fine but I know it must still feel daunting. I second mindfulness for your DD's anxiety - it helps so much to ground yourself completely in the present moment and just deal with what's going on this minute. Everything else is a story the brain creates and isn't necessarily going to happen.

I understand where you are coming from , I went into panic mode when we all came down with it. We are not CEV but all on the original vulnerable list and one DD has mild disabilities . I was terrified.. luckily had some local friends who helped and we managed to get a delivery . My DF needing managing too and the dog ! It is stressful but just try and look after yourself too. Ring 111 if worried and get help early rather than waiting .
Also if there's a local what's app or Facebook covid group they can be helpful.
Also found out that local taxis will pick prescriptions up- that's really handy . I second trying to distract yourself and DC as much as Poss .

You’re all amazing, thank you. From the bottom of my heart.

An important thing would be to get hold of an oximeter if you haven’t already got one so you can check for drops in oxygen saturation. Sometimes people have very low oxygen levels with Covid but don’t actually feel that breathless, so can miss the earlier warning signs that they should seek hospital care.
Amazon do them for about £20 or ask around friends whether someone can lend you one whilst Covid is in your house.

Ventilation is really important, so schedule hourly times for opening windows. Maybe putting a teen in charge so they feel they can do something practical and protective?

Order antiviral wipes for your DH to wipe door handles, toilet flush, taps and loo seat every time he uses the loo and children and you too just in case any of you have it. I really hope the best for you all OP. Get an online shop slot before they all go. Order a few treats for the DC.

I'm sorry to hear this OP. Wishing a quick recovery xx

Sorry to hear that. I hope all will be OK.
Good luck

I second the pulse oximeter recommendation - it’s important to keep an eye on sats but also could help reassure your DC if their levels are fine.

We’ve got a pulse oximeter already, food shop sorted for next week and I’m keeping a written schedule of everyone’s medicines (regular ones plus paracetamol etc). Just felt it would help me feel bit more in control. Have brought food and drinks up to dc and DH and came back downstairs to more vomit by the dog!

So sorry for you and your family. It must be really hard for you having to care for everyone while being vulnerable in your own right.

Just wondered, as you said you are sharing a single bathroom between 5 of you, if you could consider ordering some travel johns or a bucket for your DH to pee in during the day to minimise the amount of times he is using the bathroom to when he needs a number 2 or shower. Also some water wipes or some such so that he could give himself a wash. Plus alcohol wipes to wipe down any surfaces that he might touch when he's in there. That might help reduce the exposure you and your children have to the virus.

Also - I am very vulnerable due to lots of conditions and suffer a lot of anxiety (even pre-covid) about ending up in hospital. Having some tools to "protect" myself against the virus helps a lot with anxiety. Maybe supply your DD with some gloves, and disposable masks and alcohol wipes so that she can actively do something to protect herself might help a bit with her anxiety (works for me!).

They’re really good suggestions GreenUp thank you.I’m going to do a quick Amazon shop for wipes, bucket and a flask. That way, DH can stay in the room as much as possible with things to clean himself, urinate and have a hot drink. Hopefully I can get next day delivery so that from Monday we can be better prepared. He’s coughing so much now, it’s truly worrying. Plus one dc has spiked temperature again and the other one feels tightness in her chest, fatigue, sore throat but no fever. I’m wondering if they both have it. Thankfully my oldest dc seems well and I am trying to hold it all together. Strangely I felt really unwell on Friday but better today (Saturday) but not with obvious Covid symptoms. I’m just putting it down to tiredness due to being full time carer.

You sound amazing Op , fingers crossed for you all xx

Op are you taking the vitamin. D with a magnesium supplement to help absorption? Do you know your VitD blood levels? Also how many international units of VitD are ye taking? I unfortunately know too much about VitD due to have a disease in which VitD plays a very important role. Also my daughters VitD was only 19 when her last bloods were done and she too has a disease somewhat like mine. She was given a weekly high dose for 5 weeks and is now taken a spray vegan VitD. Her diet is crap too but that's another story. Also my friends husband works in a nursing home in which all the staff had the virus over Christmas. He self isolated in their converted attic bedroom with ensuite and my friend and their two children tested negative.

Up with one of my DCs as she is finding it hard to breathe. I think she is also really scared that it might be Covid and what that could mean for her, me and her siblings if we caught it too. She’s crying and panicked but won’t let me near her to comfort her as she’s desperate for me not to get it. She feels so exhausted but is unable to sleep because of her breathing and the mucous feeling in her throat and lower down. I hope that we get her test results back later today and that it’s negative so she can feel less anxious.
Hollyhobbi I’m going to check what the dosage is of the vitamin D we’ve been taking, thanks for the advice. That sounds really horrible for you and your daughter. It must be such a worry for you. 💐

I am not a health professional but I have had asthma attacks due to being very upset and anxious at night when I was a teen.

If your DC has any asthma meds, she might feel better after a dose. Also a warm/hot drink with lemon and honey can help soothe breathing.

You don't say how old she is but if she can understand checking her oxygen saturation might reassure her. Also slow deep breathing, five counts in, five out is what helps me.

This must be so hard. Please get medical help if your daughter worsens.

Forgot to say. You don't need physical contact to comfort her if she is concerned about spreading. Talk to her about special things you share, what you will do when this is over etc. i remember my dear Mom helping me that way.

I am sure you already know this as the great Mum you clearly are.

Sending warm thoughts from far far away in Canada.