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.

To help with my anxiety I have found tapping mediation very helpful and straight forward to do, much easier than breathing exercises or anything else really, I am not neurotypical so I wonder if your daughter may also find it helpful. There is an app called the tapping solution that you can use on your phone/tablet that has been a godsend for me. I only have used the free meditations included. They have a good selection to help with coronavirus anxiety and those are all free. I can see you have soo much on your plate but don't forget to take care of yourself. I hope your family recovers swiftly, it is so scary when your loved ones are not well and you cannot solve it for them, you can only care for them, handhold for you.

I’m just going to add a couple of photos from a website it found called PARI www.pari.com/uk/home/. I realise it is marketing products. I have been using a nebuliser for several years to nebulise 0.9% saline when I have a cold / cough. This lubricates the airways and has stopped me from getting sinusitis ever since and reduced the length of duration of my coughs. What this website is claiming is that the Brazilians have observed that 1.5% saline nebulisation kills Coronaronavirus in the airways. I have not found this study. I cannot say it is true. All I can tell you is that when I had suspected Coronaronavirus last March and nebulising helped.

I will also tell you that on looking for more information on nebulising the other day for my friend, I read on webmd that nebulising 0.9% saline can cause an allergic reaction but it is rare. I was surprised and had never read this before despite hours and hours of reading. Nebulising saline is used to help people with respiratory issues including copd, chronic bronchitis and cystic fibrosis according to the clinical studies and information I have read online. The tears we produce are 0.9% saline. However I am telling you this to make you aware and make your own risk assessment.

If you are taking vit D, take it with k2 and preferably liquid as it easier to absorb than tablets, which have fillers. You can also take vit c. But ensure it is liposomal vit c as this is absorbed at much higher rates. I also take NAC (acetylcystene). This is a very cheap supplement. It’s given as a matter of course for respiratory illnesses in France by doctors (I lived there and used to be prescribed it in France for bronchitis - they prescribe all medicines including otc). Therefore is sold rather like paracetamol in France. It helps to break down mucus. You can get it in caplets or powder - tastes a bit odd. See this Reddit discussion for example as there is a lot of information on there... www.reddit.com/r/science/comments/figm1w/nac_as_treatment_for_influenza_and_covid19_found/ Other supplements I have seen recommended are Zinc and potassium. But if you do buy these, ensure they are good quality. Ionic, liquid forms are most easily metabolised.

You will be able to Google videos about breathing techniques. My friend sent me a WhatsApp from something from a doctor and it’s saved in my phone. Sorry I’m not very good at tech and I can’t work out how to post. Here she talks about breathing, using the mind to not panic etc. But perhaps you could look for something similar? She recommended this btw. www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BETADINE-Nasal-Spray-20ml-eliminate-99-of-common-cold-and-flu-virus-x-2-pc-/254169455653. This is why pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16490989/ ie it has shown signs of weakening and my thoughts would be this reduces viral load. But I’m not an expert. I have nascent iodine to take orally. But you need to be careful with this if your family has any thyroid issues and it isn’t for long term use unless directed.

Covid or not, struggling to breathe is a medical emergency. Please don’t be afraid of getting medical help for any of you if you need it

You sound like you have a tough night. Hoping that you are having a much needed lie in now and results come through negative today. 🤞

[https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10157249837878443&id=583003442?sfnsn=scwspmo&extid=6Pt2cHuUTdAlGz5w&d=n&vh=I link]

These lung exercises were shared on a previous thread as effective for lowering risk of pneumonia.

m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10157249837878443&id=583003442?sfnsn=scwspmo&extid=6Pt2cHuUTdAlGz5w&d=n&vh=i

Don't wait for the covid test to come back , give 111 a call if your worried about your DC breathing .they will give advice or get treatment started without an official test result as your DH has it . As other poster says, it's an emergency anyway . Good luck OP.

Hi OP. How are you all doing today?

I’ve just booked a test for autistic dd as her temp is 39.9 and she feels very unwell. But I can see the panic in her face and body language as she knows the reality of her underlying medical condition when combined with something like Covid. I was up in the night with my other daughter who we’re hopefully getting tests back today. She was really panicky and just felt so unwell. Am trying to follow everyone’s emergency protocol and showing a calm face even though I don’t feel it at all. Thanks for everyone’s advice, I’ll try to have a read through everything. Happy Sunday to you all.

Dear OP, you are doing an amazing job in impossibly difficult circumstances but as a HCP can I please urge you to call 111 and get advice. You have at least 2 family members who sound very poorly , one other that may be and you yourself who have not been feeling great. This could easily spiral out of control. Also book covid tests for everyone if you haven't already. Take care x

I’ve been thinking about you a lot this morning OP. It’s really hard to be objective about symptoms when you’re in the storm and they’re your loved ones. You mustn’t ever think “it’s not bad enough to call for advice from a medic”. Doctors and paramedics would far rather check your children’s symptoms / oxygen sats and them be fine than you wait until they are really really I’ll because you don’t want to trouble someone

Please remind your daughter that all children don't die from cv even CEV most don't even get poorly. Poor thing with her anxiety. Most haven't even been advised to shield this time round as the risks are so low. Take care

How is everyone doing op?

Just got one of the test results back for eldest dd.....positive ☹️
Now I’m really starting to stress that we’ll all get ill, hospitalised and worse! I know I have to stay calm for my kids but it’s hard.

Still have to wait for other test result probably tomorrow for other dd.

I bet it's hard. It's going to be about trying to get through this an hour at a time, finding the things that distract you all and keep you going. How is your dd with autism doing? So sorry you're going through this.

Thanks Michelle. My dd is struggling and was very overwhelmed by the test centre today but she coped really well with the swab process thankfully. On the basis of 2 out of 5 family now with positive tests, we’re implementing the emergency protocol for dd to make sure her health needs are being supported as much as possible. But it’s hard.

That's great she handled the swab test! Well done to her!

Good plan to implement the protocol, and yes, I am sure it's hell on toast, I am sorry. What about you? Are you having time to get your meds and any preparation sorted to give yourself a bit of protection? Will your GP be any help in the morning if you let them know the five of you are dealing with this?

Gosh how worrying for you . Just to say make sure you ask for help from friends if you need to to medications / supplies or anything else you need or even a local Facebook page .

My brother in law and whole family had it and friends took things to the doorstep. Luckily they have all been ok but it’s been a worrying couple of weeks .

Hope you all get through it ok .

Could any of the children use the calm or Breethe apps on their phones ?

As it’s possible that you are all likely to be ill now, do you have food in the hose? Easy stuff that the kids can do themselves if necessary?

Op you are doing fabulously. I think that you have to plan for everyone becoming ill, which sounds like you are already doing.

Best of luck.

Oh op, just popping on and wishing you and your family all the best, sending you positive thoughts.

You sound like you're handling this amazingly.

Totally get that emergency protocol.

I've written out the same. My ds has underlying conditions (autism and a neuromuscular condition) and takes medication and has emergency medication and protocols.

My mum and dad also shielding and can't be contacted.

Added on my ds gets a really low temp when ill!

Just having a laminated sheet I could give someone about him if I was ill or to send with him if he was ill gives me a sense of control - I realise I really don't have!

Well done to your autistic dd for getting the swabs done. Something challenging with added anxiety she did really well to overcome it.

Ocht this sounds so hard OP, no wonder you are worried. You’re trying to hold it all together for everyone, when you’re understandably scared yourself. I’m sorry you’re going through this. You can vent all your deepest fears and worries here and not be judged.