Those immune suppressed…

As I understand it, those of us who qualified for a 3rd primary vaccine before getting a booster will be/have been sent a PCR test kit for us to use at home if we get covid symptoms. (I received mine a couple of weeks ago). If we test positive we are entitled to the anti-virals.

My friend has got the PCR test to send away but I was wondering if, with all the rules changing, a LFT would be enough. Sounds as though she needs to get the PCR test sent away asap.Thanks for that.

In Scotland, you have to be recorded as immunocompromised on your medical record. You should book a PCR test if you have tested positive on a lateral flow or have symptoms. Choose the Essential worker option, which means that the test will be fast tracked, as you have only a short time between testing positive and the anti virals being effective. A postal test takes too long.
If the test is positive, as an immunocomprimised patient, you should have previously received a letter giving you a dedicated phone number to call, to check if you are eligible for anti virals. The whole procedure has to be done within a very short timescale.

I think the procedure in England is different. Surely your friend would already have been contacted by NHS England or NHS Inform and be aware of what to do? It is very important to act quickly.
I think Missedout fulfilled the criteria and has already received the anti virals. She may be able to clarify procedures in England. Apologies if I have the wrong poster.

My Son-in-law, immuno-supressed, etc had his three jabs. Day before he was due to get his booster, he tested positive on LFT. Not surprising, his youngest brought it home from school just before christmas, and his eldest (back home from Uni) had also become positive. Neither of these two were ill, just unwell for a couple of days. Some concern when he became positive. He was then put on a trial for such patients with regards to anti-virals. So, no idea if he was one of the 50% receiving these, or the other 50% on a placebo. He was really unwell for 48 hours, and completely better within a week. Will now have his booster when he is one month after his negative test.

MayBee yes, you need to send the test back, via priority postbox or courier.
The theory is that you get the antivirals the next day.

Yes Marydoll, I received treatment. For me, the 'system' worked exactly as I was told it should. I received a positive PCR result via phone text message, and 6 hours later I had a phone call asking me if I would be able to travel the next day to hospital for treatment with neutralising monoclonal antibodies (nMab - Sotrovimab).

The appointment details were confirmed the next morning by phone and three hours later I was home again having been treated with an infusion given via a cannula in the back of my hand. (I was the first one to be given Sotrovimab at the hospital.) I then had regular follow-up calls to check my progress (they wanted to know my oximeter readings and pulse rate),

I actually didn't expect any of this to happen and, because I was confirmed positive on a Bank Holiday, sent messages to various agencies. To be fair to all the people I tried, they replied but all said they needed to find out what to do - none of them knew. I was able to tell them that I had been contacted (I felt guilty to have bothered them.)

Since treatment, I have not felt in any danger of needing hospitalisation. I have had a cough and awful sore throat, haven't been able to breathe through my nose and feel pressure round my ears. I haven't slept much nor wanted to eat but just lazed around, waiting to get better. My LFTs are negative.

Yesterday I was able to see family for a while to finally share Christmas presents and that was 'good medicine' but needed to rest afterwards. The nMabs aren't a miracle cure but they have done their job, as I have been expecting Covid to be terminal for me. I have my underlying health conditions which will have slowed my recovery and contributed to my current symptoms.

I am grateful to be here and planning a UK holiday with family next month.

Thank you for getting back to us Missedout
So glad to hear that you are on the mend, and that it all went so smoothly.
I had no idea that one had to go to hospital. Silly me thought that it would just be tablets!
Brilliant to hear such good news.
Enjoy your holiday! x

Missedout, Great to read your positive post. It has given me a boost!
I hope you start to feel better soon.

FannyCornforth, I don't understand why I had the antibody infusion in hospital rather than being sent the antiviral tablets to be taken at home. Next time I talk to my immunology specialist, I will ask her about the criteria.

AcornFairy

As I understand it, those of us who qualified for a 3rd primary vaccine before getting a booster will be/have been sent a PCR test kit for us to use at home if we get covid symptoms. (I received mine a couple of weeks ago). If we test positive we are entitled to the anti-virals.

Yes, I’m immuno suppressed and received my home PCR kit - have just had my fourth jab too. I believe that they’re also planning to expand antibody testing for those who are CEV, although can’t find details as to how and when.

Pammie1

AcornFairy

As I understand it, those of us who qualified for a 3rd primary vaccine before getting a booster will be/have been sent a PCR test kit for us to use at home if we get covid symptoms. (I received mine a couple of weeks ago). If we test positive we are entitled to the anti-virals.

Yes, I’m immuno suppressed and received my home PCR kit - have just had my fourth jab too. I believe that they’re also planning to expand antibody testing for those who are CEV, although can’t find details as to how and when.

Those in Scotland, have not received kits. You have to phone and book your test.

Very confusing, if you are not on the ball and unaware of how it works in the different nations of the UK. .

Pammie, good news that you have had your fourth jag.
An interesting point for those who are immunocompromised. My vaccinations had an impact on my biologics, affecting their efficacy and triggering off a major RA flare up!
Hopefully a blip and it's still more important to have the vaccinations, rather than not have them!