Mum tested positive for Covid with symptoms - I'm stuck in the USA.

[Californiadreaming21]

I'm currently living in the US and have not been back to the UK for a few years. My DM (67) called me today sounding pretty unwell on the phone, and put it down to Sinisitus. I insisted she took a LF Covid test that she had spare, since she sounded like she had flu and not her usual runny nose. She tested positive and is not vaccinated (please no judgement here right now, she has Thyroid issue that has scared her about side effects, but too late). Add to this, she lives alone as my DD died a decade ago.

Given that i'm a million miles away from the UK and things are a lot different in the US. I'm a bit panicked right now and not able to figure out a lot of the UK websites. For some strange reason, I'm also blocked from a few sites looking from the US when trying to book PCR tests etc.

I'd appreciate if anyone can pass on any advice on what the current advice is on what she should do if symptoms get worse? I've told her to Isolate and stay in bed.

She also doesn't have groceries or friends close by. Are Ocado or the Supermarkets still having issues with delivery slots? Any other services that people have found useful?

No need to panic.

With the greatest respect, at 67 just how much of your advice and help does she need? Is she not able to manage for herself? I’m 63 and would not expect (or welcome) my daughter “telling” me what to do.

She can call 119 for advice on testing and isolation. If she’s feeling more than generally fluey she can call 111 for advice, or call her GP surgery if they are the responsive types. Usual pain relief, plenty of fluids and rest. Most people seem to be having no more than a few grotty days with this variant.

I dont know about delivery slots but worst case scenario she can refer herself to the NHS volunteers who should be able to find someone to help with shopping. Or could she ask a neighbour? She’ll be isolating for 10 days max, may well be out sooner if she has negative lateral flows.

If she’s in Wales (might be the same in England, I don’t know) then the local authority might be able to help through local area coordination.

I’m a single parent with covid and I’ve managed by ordering groceries from coop and Aldi through deliveroo.

Can a neighbour nip out and get paracetamol etc for her? I’d be happy to do this for any of mine.

Sorry to hear your mum's unwell.

I've used supermarket deliveries for years, and my experience is that, in my area, delivery availability went back to normal when the first lockdown was lifted. Availability here has been fine since.

I'd suggest she sets up a delivery now, while she's not too poorly, rather than try to navigate an unfamiliar system when she's really under the weather. Be warned minimum order for delivery is £40 for some supermarkets; others will allow a minimum order of £25 but do add a surcharge of £7 for orders under £40.

119 are very helpful, they can help with getting extra LFTs in - if she's in England she can go out after day 7 if she tests negative on days 6 and 7. Also, I read they can suggest local organisations that can help. If she gets nowhere, it might with worth her phoning Age Concern as they may know of somewhere that can help.

Most people I know have kept an extra stock of food in in case of covid, so in reality she might not need much in the way of food - might be worth her putting a note through a neighbours door with a list. If not, one place I can always get a slot is Iceland - they might not have the variety but it'll certainly give her the basics she needs for health meals.

Many communities have a system for getting essentials to those isolating using volunteers. Try her local council to locate contact details . Does she normally go to church, social groups, have friends or neighbours she could ring? Delivery services for food etc via supermarket websites and likes of Deliveroo and amazon, or use click and collect and get someone else to bring it to her door.

I agree that delivery slots are backnto normal. Also despite being unvaccinated your DM has probably got omicron which will hopefully cause less severe symptoms than alpha or delta (not downplaying it but just trying to add some perspective). I think you don't need to be quite as worried as you are but I know that is easier said that done.

I would suggest you download a VPN to help you regarding internet issues.

Does she need help or is this you panicking that she does. She is 67 not 97, lives here normally so im sure knows the ropes.

The best practical thing you can do from afar is to get her a pulseoximeter delivered which takes any guesswork out of whether she needs to be seeking medical help.

Can she, or you, join her local area Facebook group? They usually have volunteers happy to help in these situations.
Amazon has food delivery slots.

I'm sorry you feel so worried. I understand as I also live an ocean away from my parents, though they are about twenty years older than your mum!

I think you've given her great advice. Maybe you could order her some treats from M&S or Amazon as they accept US cards? Lots of companies like not on the high street do too, my mum orders for is from there. Letterbox gifts would mean she didn't have to be disturbed.

As for food, getting a slot for delivery is very easy now. And 111 are there if she is worried about her symptoms. Call daily and be kind to yourself, it's hard being far away but hopefully she'll be fine. X