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Anyone else struggling to obtain anti virals ?

(34 Posts)
vickymeldrew Fri 01-Apr-22 20:29:17

I have a compromised immune system and have been labelled ‘climically extremely vilnerable’. I am in the group requiring the highest levels of protection and have already had four jabs (not age related).
I have previously received personally addressed letters from NHS England outlining the guidance I should follow. I have been sent PCR tests to use and am now eligible for free lateral flow tests.
All fine and dandy and I have been healthy throughout the pandemic.
However, on Monday I tested positive for Covid on both lateral flow and PCR and am quite poorly. I referred to my shoal of letters comfirming my eligibility for the new anti viral medications and how to access them. There is a short time frame for them to be effective.
Despite following the instructions to the letter - NHS England, GP, 111, dispensing centre - i am unable to get past the initial conversation. I am repeatedly told ‘a clinician will call within 24 hours’. I have been trying different routes and techniques since Monday now. (The antivirals need to be taken within 5 days). Without fail, I am constantly told, yes, I am eligible for the treatment and I need it soon.
Obviously I know the NHS is swamped at the moment, but I feel this issue of the ECVs is being kept very quiet.
Has anyone in my category managed to obtain these meds ?

LOUISA1523 Fri 01-Apr-22 21:28:29

I gave up trying when I had covid in Feb ....tbf I ended up with a sore throat and 2 day headache so was ok but you just don't know do you, how it will pan out....I'm 57 , I've now had my 4th jab after having to wait an extra 4 weeks after covid ...I seem to remember that you need to start them within 5 days of your first symptom...I didn't get my pcr back til 4 days after ....so fell at the first hurdle really...good luck

Maywalk Fri 01-Apr-22 21:35:22

Have you tried this Vicky? I found them brilliant when I made a complaint and setting my hospital redords right.

www.nhs.uk/Service-Search/other-services/Patient%20advice%20and%20liaison%20services%20(PALS)/LocationSearch/363

Maywalk Fri 01-Apr-22 21:38:28

Sorry that should be records. Getting to be all fingers and thumbs now.

1summer Fri 01-Apr-22 22:20:58

My husband is ECV and tested positive for Covid last Friday, he did his at home PCR test and this was sent Friday afternoon. The result was sent by text to him at 6am Saturday morning with a statement saying he would receive a call within 24 hours. In the meantime I spoke to his clinical nurse specialist at the hospital who explained what should happen and also gave me the email address of the local Covid Medical Delivery Unit. Heard nothing on the Sunday and was panicking, emailed the CMDU no reply. Then 8am Monday morning they rang and he had to be at unit within an hour and he was given antivirals and an oximeter to monitor oxygen levels for 2 weeks. Today he feels fine and has tested negative. But i think we have been lucky, on the Blood Cancer UK site lots of people in different areas are having difficulty accessing antivirals. In fact Blood Cancer UK have said they will try and help if people contact them if they are having problems.
Sorry you are having problems and hope you get the antivirals

FannyCornforth Sat 02-Apr-22 05:41:25

This is really worrying.
Vicky please come back and tell us how you are getting on
I hope that you are okay thanks

FannyCornforth Sat 02-Apr-22 10:55:35

I’m bumping this as it’s very concerning, and I want to hear more

FannyCornforth Sat 02-Apr-22 11:50:45

I’ve looked online and cannot find any further information

Jaxjacky Sat 02-Apr-22 12:49:43

I found this
www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-care-and-treatments-for-coronavirus/treatments-for-coronavirus/

nanaK54 Sat 02-Apr-22 12:57:04

FannyCornforth

I’m bumping this as it’s very concerning, and I want to hear more

A further bump from me, my DH is CEV and I am concerned too

tickingbird Sat 02-Apr-22 12:59:40

I am on the register for the anti virals which need to be taken in first 5 days. It made me feel more secure but reading this has made me realise that isn’t so. Very concerning.

nanaK54 Sat 02-Apr-22 13:02:01

tickingbird

I am on the register for the anti virals which need to be taken in first 5 days. It made me feel more secure but reading this has made me realise that isn’t so. Very concerning.

That's it in a nutshell, my poor DH will have to stay 'in hiding', which means the same for me too. We were so encouraged by the news that he could have access to anti-virals...

FannyCornforth Sat 02-Apr-22 13:37:38

My husband has an appointment with his Respiratory OHT this week, so I shall see what I can find out from her.
They are a really good department.

I’m so sorry that we are all going back to worrying again.sad
He’s going for his 4th vaccine on Monday, and I’m even worried about that now.
So many people are positive at the moment

vickymeldrew Sat 02-Apr-22 14:29:23

Well, it is so lovely to read such supportive comments . I have spent the morning emailing, scouring websites and calling various NHS numbers. Am now awaiting the callback I was promised “doctor will call within the hour” at 10.00 this morning.
Meanwhile, the Covid advances unchecked into my lungs.
My initial euphoria on learning of antiviral treatments has been replaced by a feeling that I must be such a mug to think they would actually be available to me if needed.
I actually feel rather stupid that I dutifully sat and waited 24 hours for phone calls that never came and by the end of today the five day timescale expires so it will be too late.

nanaK54 Sat 02-Apr-22 14:33:24

vickymeldrew I'm so sorry...

FannyCornforth Sat 02-Apr-22 14:49:47

Ring 999 Vicky do it now.
Please ?

vickymeldrew Sat 02-Apr-22 14:57:56

999 is my last resort. I am told that my symptoms do not yet warrant hospital intervention as they can be managed at home. Just need the meds !!

FannyCornforth Sat 02-Apr-22 15:00:24

Oh heavens Vicky
I hope that you get help soon

Daisymae Sat 02-Apr-22 15:44:58

This is very concerning. Hope you manage to get the meds you need. It strikes me that the great and the good will have no problem accessing which is why they are so confident to go out and about. My DH is also eligible and I have been very reassured, looks like I was mistaken. Hope you are soon on the mend.

FannyCornforth Sat 02-Apr-22 15:52:53

I do tend to think this if you call 999 they will pull their finger out.

They will do all the assessments and initial tests that you need and then they will decide what you need.

JaneJudge Sat 02-Apr-22 18:08:59

I would ring 999 too and say if they don't send anti virals you are at risk of being admitted as an emergency

FannyCornforth Sat 02-Apr-22 18:11:43

Jane is right Vicky, you must take action x

TillyTrotter Sat 02-Apr-22 18:52:38

Please ring 999,
or ring 111 , don’t hesitate now vickym.
This is the advice from the Nhs website (see below)
Open the picture wider with your thumb and forefinger to read it wider with ease.

tickingbird Sat 02-Apr-22 19:32:23

Sorry to read this Vicky. What a shambles. I think you should ring as others have said. What a worry for you.

TillyTrotter Sat 02-Apr-22 21:14:33

If you are able please come back on this thread and let us know how you are vicky .
Sending you best wishes ?