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ME/CFS, Coronavirus Covid-19, and Post Covid-19

31/10/2020

 
Warnings from Worcestershire MPs and Worcestershire’s Director for Public Health.

Followed by New National Restrictions from 5 November.
The Government website gives full information on the new national restrictions, including what they mean for working from home and business closures, why they are being introduced and the financial support available.  The new measures will apply nationally for four weeks up to Wednesday 2 December.  At the end of the period, we will look to return to a regional approach, based on the latest data.
 
‘UK lockdown update: Boris Johnson announces month-long lockdown for England. This evening, Saturday 31 October, the Worcester News put together a round-up of everything you need to know.
 
Today’s announcement, followed three Worcester News articles yesterday.  On 30 October, the same day that the Worcester News published a warning from Bromsgrove and Redditch MPs  , and a plea from the Worcestershire’s Public Health director the Worcester News also announced that a second national lockdown is being considered for England next week.
 
Boris Johnson 'considering' second national lockdown for England next week.
The Worcester News article states that Prime Minister Boris Johnson is reportedly set to place England under stringent national lockdown restrictions next week.  The article gives detailed explanations on new data published on Friday.
 
Keep it local, limit your contacts and help keep Worcestershire at tier one.
Worcestershire County Council gives the plea from Dr. Kathryn Cobain, Director for Public Health in Worcestershire - “ Worcestershire does not want to face tougher restrictions. You can help prevent that, by staying local and really reducing who you mix with.  Cut down the number of contacts you have with people, keep your distance from others and remember to wash your hands and wear face coverings.  If you reduce where you go, consider who you are travelling with, who you mix with, stick to the rule of 6 and follow these rules, we will see the spread of Covid-19 reducing.  If we lower the numbers of cases, we reduce the risk of us being put into tier two measures.  Further restrictions will impact our lives, our businesses and our economy, if we want to stay at tier one, then we have to stick to the rules now more than ever. “
Also from the Worcestershire County Council -
Website: Prime Minister announces new local COVID Alert Levels 12 October 2020 (opens in a new window).
 
The Worcester News’ warning from Bromsgrove and Redditch MPs - Worcestershire MPs Sajid Javid and Rachel Maclean warn of tougher Covid restrictions.
Two county MPs have warned their constituents they could face tougher coronavirus restrictions if infection rates continue to rise.  Bromsgrove MP Sajid Javid and Redditch MP Rachel Maclean both warned residents a move to tier two restrictions may become inevitable unless action is taken.
Mr Javid tweeted: “The high COVID-19 infection rate in the Bromsgrove district means that further restrictions may be introduced.  “No one wants to see that happen. Let’s work together to keep this virus under control. Please remember to wash your hands, wear a face covering and make space.”
Mrs Maclean echoed Mr Javid, tweeting her own response, which said: “Sajid Javid is right and the same applies to Redditch.  “If the infection rate continues to rise here, then discussions over Tier 2 restrictions will become inevitable. Let’s avoid this situation by continuing to follow the rules to get that infection rate down.”
The warnings come amid fast-increasing coronavirus infection rates across Worcestershire.  Every part of the county has seen its infection rate rise this week with Bromsgrove remaining the highest.  We have previously reported how rising infection rates across Worcestershire could see the county moved into tier two "high".  In this tier, you must not meet socially with friends and family indoors in any setting unless you live with them or have formed a support bubble with them. This includes private homes, and any other indoor venues such as pubs and restaurants.
The next tier up, "very high" sees the same restriction on indoor meetings, but with a ban on mixing in most outdoor settings.  Shops, schools and workplaces will remain open even in this case.
 
Worried public health boss pleads with Worcester to follow Covid rules as infection rate surges.
The Worcester News give the plea from Worcestershire’s Public Health director Dr. Kathryn Cobain.
Concerned health bosses have asked the city to follow social distancing guidelines to stop a worrying rise in the infection rate.   Worcestershire’s Public Health director Dr. Kathryn Cobain said she was “really concerned” by the rising infection rate in Worcester as it was clear people were not socially distancing.  Latest figures show the infection rate in Worcester has risen by nearly 70 per cent in the last week and is now at 154 per 100,000 people.
“I am really concerned to see the rising infection rate in Worcester,” said Dr Cobain. “This is a clear indication that people are not social distancing and following the rules which can help prevent the virus spreading.  I am appealing to everyone in the city, it is in your hands to help us stop the virus spreading. The figures show that the virus is spreading rapidly. Everyone needs to think about how you are going about your daily lives; washing your hands regularly, and wearing face coverings where it is compulsory to do so and keeping at a social distance.
“The virus only moves around because we mix and socialise. This is how it spreads. It is really imperative that we break the chains of transmission, and continue to follow the guidance.
“You can reduce your own risk to the virus and protect those you love, by following the rules and keeping Covid-19 under control.”  Dr Cobain said a high number of cases were being transmitted within households and following the rules, such as the Rule of Six, would prevent many new cases.
Councillor Marc Bayliss, leader of Worcester City Council, said: “None of us want to see Worcester move to Tier Two.  “It will mean we all have to see less of our friends and family, and it would have an impact on our local businesses and economy.   “Please play your part in keeping us in Tier One by following the rules in every aspect of your daily lives - wash your hands regularly, wear a mask whenever it’s required and keep your distance.  “Together, we can reduce the spread of the virus.”

Further Coronavirus (Covid-19) information specifically for people affected by ME/CFS.
 
The ME Association’s (MEA) recent Covid-19 leaflets and letters are all available to download,
  • 12 page Covid-19 and ME/CFS Weekly Update -
  • 4 page MEA information on Reducing the risk of infection - Reducing the risk of catching Coronavirus if you have ME/CFS leaflet by Dr Charles Shepherd.
  • 8 page MEA information on PVF / PVFS / ME / CFS following Covid-19 Infection - Post-viral fatigue (PVF) and Post-viral fatigue syndrome (PVFS) following Coronavirus Infection.
  • MEA statement, signed by Dr Charles Shepherd, in Letter: Asserting your vulnerable status.
  • 4 page MEA detailed leaflet on Benefits - Your Benefits during the Coronavirus Crisis. 
  • MEA Employment Guidance: Key points on Employment, ME/CFS and the Coronavirus.  
  • 24 page leaflet on Post Covid-19 Fatigue;  Post/Long Covid-19 Syndromes;  Post-Covid ME/CFS  The ME Association Guide to Post-Covid Fatigue Syndromes and Post-Covid ME/CFS.

A few of the many recent news articles concerning Long Covid-19 specifically for people affected by ME/CFS.
 
Scottish Government Issue Caution Notice for Graded Exercise Therapy in ME/CFS & Post/Long-Covid
The MEA announce that the Scottish Health Department has posted an interim statement advising caution over the suitability of Graded Exercise Therapy (GET) in treating ME/CFS and has reiterated the earlier statement from NICE cautioning against use of GET in Post/Long-Covid.
 
News & Comment: The Long-Covid Crisis and £10 million on NHS Specialist Clinics for Post-Covid Sufferers.
The MEA’s article following the Government announcement that NHS England was to invest £10million in a network of clinic across England to help support people who have been unable to recover from Covid-19 infection.
 
Long COVID: let patients help define long-lasting COVID symptoms.
The terminology for long-lasting COVID symptoms - and the definition of recovery- must incorporate patients’ perspectives.
The Nature article explains -  In deciding how to act on long COVID, researchers and policymakers must take heed of what happened in the case of myalgic encephalomyelitis, also called chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).. The condition shares some of the symptoms of long COVID, and people with ME/CFS struggled for many years to be recognized as having a serious and debilitating medical condition that needed specialized treatment and research.
 
Extract from: "The Long Hauler Tragedy: More Frightening than Halloween Nightmares" by Leonard Jason and Vernita Perkins.
"For the past 30 years, still another group has suffered from the trauma of an illness and then society’s reaction to their disability.  The illness is chronic fatigue syndrome.  These patients, who prefer the less-stigmatizing term myalgic encephalomyelitis, have a very similar predicament to many COVID long-haulers.  Because most primary care physicians are unable to detect any biological abnormalities, patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis are often considered to suffer
from depression, and health care workers often prescribe anti-depressants and a recommendation to work out a few times a week, in order to overcome their illness.  Such treatments are often effective when a person has a primary depressive symptom, but when a person with myalgic encephalomyelitis, who already suffers extreme fatigue and post-exertional malaise is encouraged to engage in formal exercise, a relapse is very likely.  With primary care professionals expecting a quick resolution of their illness, and many work associates and family members subscribing to this false rendition of their illness, it is not too surprising that almost all patients feel demoralized, not depressed."
 
Virginia Water Magazine: Why aren’t people getting better from Covid-19? With Dr Charles Shepherd.
Why aren’t people getting better from COVID-19?  The article explains that Dr Charles Shepherd Medical Adviser to the ME Association, discuss with the editor of the Virginia Water magazine.
 
Four young women talk to ‘Cosmopolitan’ about their Long Covid (and Dr Charles joins in).
The MEA cover this story from the Cosmopolitan.  Four young women talked to ‘Cosmopolitan’ this week about their battles with Long Covid - months after going down with what they thought was a mild form of the virus.
 
 
For further Coronavirus (Covid-19) information specifically for people affected by ME/CFS see further posts on the blog.
 
Take care, and stay safe everyone.
•  Coronavirus (COVID 19)  •  Government U.K.  •  Local News  •  M.E. Association  •  MP   •  Parliament U.K.  •  Post COVID Syndrome (Long COVID)  •  Worcestershire  •  Worcestershire County Council

Flu Vaccine Information (UPDATE)

11/10/2020

 
The Flu and Pneumonia Vaccines 2020 - 2021.
The ME Association (MEA) has updated their information and guidance on all aspects of flu vaccination in relation to ME/CFS and it is now available as a free 5-page leaflet.
 
The MEA’s recent article explains the ME Association Leaflet: The Flu and Pneumonia Vaccines 2020 - 2021 & Website Poll of Flu Vaccine Reactions in ME/CFS.  The MEA state they have included further information in relation to COVID-19 - as catching the flu and COVID-19 would be very nasty combination of infections especially if you have ME/CFS.  The leaflet also provides information on how to get a flu vaccine, if you choose to have one, from both your GP and from high street pharmacies.
Plus, it also contains information on the pneumococcal vaccine used to protect against pneumonia -  which is often given with the flu vaccine if you are over 65 for example.
Topics discussed in this leaflet, include:
  • Covid-19 and flu vaccinations this year
  • The science behind flu viruses and vaccines
  • The 2020-2021 flu vaccine
  • Do people with M.E. meet NHS criteria for a free flu vaccine?
  • Who should have the flu vaccination?
  • Key points in favour of the vaccine if you have M.E.
  • Key points where caution is required if you have M.E.
  • Where to have the flu jab
  • Reducing the risk of catching flu virus and passing it on to others
  • Research into flu vaccines and M.E.
  • Pneumococcal Vaccination (Pneumonia)
 
MEA Website Poll -
Have you had a flu vaccination either this year, or within the past five years?  If so, what effect did this have on your ME symptoms?  The MEA felt it would be useful to update their patient evidence on what effect flu vaccine has on people with ME/CFS as the last time they did a full survey was in 2008.   The Website Poll is located in the right-hand margin of the website.
 
Action for ME’s (AfME) recent article - Learn more about the winter flu jab. 
October 01, 2020
If you’re unsure about what events this year have meant for getting your flu vaccine this winter, consider checking out our 'Winter flu jab' page on our website setting out information on the subject.
This AfME resource sets out information on: what the flu is; where you can pay for a vaccination; the safety of the flu jab; research into the flu jab and M.E., and who is eligible for a free flu vaccination. We hope this helps people with M.E. to make an informed decision on having the vaccine this winter.
Dr Gregor Purdie, our Medical Advisor, says:
“It is vitally important this year to protect ourselves as fully as we can. Protecting ourselves protects others and thus the health of the community. Cutting down on flu means that resources to support Covid are not compromised by also having to treat flu as well.”
AfME’s Winter Flu Jab page sets out information about the flu and the flu vaccine so people with M.E. can make an informed decision about whether or not to have the vaccine this winter.  It includes information about:
  • what the flu is
  • where you can pay for a vaccination
  • the safety of the flu jab
  • research into the flu jab and M.E.
  • who is eligible for a free flu vaccination
 
Further information is available in our Flu Vaccine Information blog last month.

•  Action for ME  •  M.E. Association  •  N.H.S.

All Party Parliamentary Group on ME - 7 October 2020

5/10/2020

 
On Wednesday of this week 7 October, MPs will be discussing welfare benefits.
Encourage your MP to attend this virtual meeting and become involved on behalf of their constituents.
The ME Association and Action for ME have articles giving full details
Please email your own MP and ask that they attend this important meeting.  Please ask your MP to contact the APPG on ME Chair, Carol Monaghan MP for details on how to join.  Contact details for all Worcestershire MPs. 
Information about previous APPG on ME meetings this year are available in our blogs.

•  Action for ME  •  A.P.P.G  •  Benefits  •  M.E. Association  •  MP 
•  Parliament U.K. 

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