Immunosuppressed DH, and I’ve just tested positive

[AC2022]

Hi!

I’m having a slight panic because I don’t know what to expect next. I have just tested positive after doing a LFD test, I had a ping from the app a few days ago and I had a few of the newly listed symptoms so tested just in case. Anyway, DH is on biologics and is categorised as immunosuppressed, he’s had all of his vaccines and is generally fit and well but I’m worried about what might happen to him. He”s tested negative but it’s probably just a matter of time before he gets a positive result. Is he more at risk of being hospitalised or will the extra vaccines mitigate that? Has anyone immunosuppressed had it and can tell me what happened to them?

Thank you.

Family of 4 here, 2 had it and 2 didn't. We didn't really distance or do anything differently, so I wouldn't say it's a foregone conclusion your dh will get it. Can imagine you're v worried though

My friend is v immuno compromised due to chemo and wasn’t able to have the vaccines. We were all so anxious when he caught it recently, but he was fine.

Hope you feel better soon and your DH is ok.

My DP is extremely clinically vulnerable due to loads of thing including multiple stem cell transplants and was shielding throughout. He just caught it and as you can imagine we panicked.

He was absolutely fine barely a sniffle and actually myself and DC were worse with symptoms. He does take a daily antiviral which I think has lessened it tbh. But it has been less drama than a cold.

Wishing you a trouble free time

I'm classed as CEV, as I'm on biologics too (Imraldi). I've had covid twice, and although it wasn't great (obviously!) it didn't affect me too badly each time. I hope your husband manages to steer clear of any serious complications.

There is a brilliant and friendly facebook group called Clinically Vulnerable Families UK. They will be able to answer any queries you have. I cant recommend them highly enough.

DS is on a biologic, is well and has had his 4 vaccines.
He recently tested positive, he registered his result and called by the HPA the next day to offer antiviral meds.As he was symptom free they weren't needed but it was reassuring that the system worked.

I’m CEV (blood cancer/chemotherapy). I caught it a couple of weeks ago 5 days post a chemo session when my immune system would be very low. I was given the IV drip of antibodies.
My advice is that he keeps testing. If he shows symptoms then send the priority PCR even if a LFT is showing negative. Also be ready to chase for the treatments. Unfortunately there are so many CEV catching Covid at the moment the system to get the treatments is not working in time in all cases - I don’t want to panic you but prepare you!
In case it helps this is how it should have worked for me:

Logging my positive LFT should have triggered a referral for CEV treatments- it didn’t for me but is for others and I think it would now. I was warned by the hospital to get a PCR straight away so I did.
This PCR triggered what a LFT should, confirmation that I would get a call within 24 hours to discuss treatments.
I called into my acute oncology department (initially on positive LFT, then confirmed positive PCR with them). They referred me for treatment separately- it’s this referral that was the fastest so if your DH has an equivalent department looking after him then I’d recommend he gets in touch if he gets a positive result.
Initial call (supposed to be within 24 hours) was to confirm medication. This information goes to a pharmacist who then recommends which treatment you get (can take another 24 hours). You’re supposed to be called back once they have recommended a treatment (I wasn’t).
Based on the treatment recommended they then organise it - this can again take another day or two depending what it is. In my case I was referred for the IV antibodies but nobody told me this, and the clinic I was referred to was full already so they sent someone round to my house to hook me up on the IV. It was a very good service, just the comms were poor as I had no idea what was happening - the system was working, they just forgot to tell me!
Your GP maybe able to refer him for treatment as well - mine did but I’ve heard others say they can’t. In theory it should be automatic.
Hope this helps and doesn’t worry you - just getting the treatments is a bit black box.

Once I got my IV antibodies I felt very woozy for the rest of the day then from the following day I picked up rapidly. I picked up faster than otherwise healthy DH and recovered from the main symptoms faster than 7 year old DD.

I was also referred for oxygen monitoring by my GP and was given a fingertip sensor. My oxygen levels didn’t go worryingly low but picked up significantly from the day after my treatment. If you have an oxygen monitor it’s a good thing to keep checking.