Question About Covid Transmission And Risk

[chanel5]

I would appreciate any opinions that people might have on the following question.

I am 72, double vaccinated and have received booster. I have an auto immune disorder and take daily cortico-steroid. I've been told by doctor that my immune system is compromised, but to what extent they cannot be sure.

During the summer I spent some weeks in hospital with sepsis, and was very lucky to survive.

My question is this - I have been invited to spend Christmas Day with a lovely family. One young member of the family works in the local hospital, with access to all wards. This family member is not vaccinated. Is this person a risk to me? Having spent the summer in hospital and some time in ICU, I don't want to go back there.

Should I accept or decline the invitation?

Many thanks for any answers.

[jennyjoan]

My cousin's friend - wife buried her husband last Monday and had everybody round to her tiny house after Mass for refreshments. The house would have held maybe 10 people. Now friend has Covid. My cousin is a very good friend but she refused to attend the house. Now she is glad cos my cousin got full Covid last January and still doesn't feel the greatest. Because she attended the Mass she got one of those lateral flow test and thank God she is negative.

It would be your decision. Awful predicament.

[rowanwitch]

Anyone you mix with vaccinated or not carry some degree of risk, as you do to them. The risk is reduced if you are vaccinated. In theory the unvaccinated member of the family is at greater risk of becoming seriously ill. Could all those attending take a lateral flow test the day before, if everyone is negative the risk would be minimal.

[AuntPG]

I am in a similar situation to you health wise, take immune suppressant drugs and am classed as clinically highly vulnerable.

Mixing with anyone who is not vaccinated, or persons working in high risk environments will expose you to a higher risk of catching Covid.

Personally, I would decline the invitation, its one day, and not worth the risk.

[chanel5]

Both answers above (thanks jennyjoan and rowanwitch) mention the lateral flow test, which has been mentioned to me by others. I think I will take your advice and ask if lateral flow tests could be taken. I know the family well enough that this would not be impertinent.

I take your point that every contact is a risk - I was with this family last Christmas and didn't think twice about it but the spell of sepsis has made me very aware that my immune system just won't protect me.

Thanks for your replies.

[chanel5]

Thanks auntPG. Yours is decisive advice. Worth thinking hard about.
It's a dilemma.

[bobbinwales]

I agree that theres a risk of picking it up from a vaccinated or unvaccinated person but probably more risk from the unvaccinated one here 'cos of there job. It may depend on why there unvaxxed. if there someone who believes covid dont matter and takes no precautions like distancing then I'd avoid them. But some who are nt vaxxed by choice or as they cant have it will make up for it by being extra cautious, regular sanitising, mask, distancing, avoiding crowds, so they be less risky.
I agree with LFTs, we did them for a family get together, just asked and took people at there word but everyone felt that bit more safe. Of course the kissing has to be minimised and windows need to be open.
But also ask your doctor, they might say any close gathering that lasts 30 minuits or more is to risky given your condition

[Sqad]

In a word.....DECLINE.

[dannyk13]

I agree with Sqad.It isn't worth the risk to your health.

[yogi-bear]

Your health is absolutely paramount and important here, so I wouldn't hesitate to kindly decline the offer, under the circumstances.
It's one day, and is not worth the risk that goes with it.
I wish you well for the future, chanel5

[bednobs]

havent the govt just made it mandatory for nhs workers to get jabbed?

[pixie374]

Not til April, I think, bednobs?
Every other person is a potential risk to you, chanel, vaccinated or not. A lateral flow test from everyone the evening before is your best bet, if you decide to risk it.

[Paul22118]

Don't go. Buy yourself a massive M & S type Christmas dinner and watch tv with a large G & T.

[chanel5]

Thank you to everyone for your kind comments and advice. I've declined the invitation, and explained why. The hostess has agreed with my decision and understands the reasons behind it.

[Scarlett]

I don't see how someone not vaccinated can be more dangerous to you than someone who is, when anyone can catch and transmit Covid now. I would ask every member of the family to please do a lateral flow test before you go- preferably that day. Keep your distance in the house and maybe they would open the windows a bit and crank up the heating?
Also go to York Test and find out what your antibody level is. If it's high, it may make you feel better. If it's low, maybe you need to be extra cautious.
Also, if you decide it's too risky, why not arrange to meet them for a short time, maybe a drink, spaced out in a ventilated room? That would at least cut down the time spent with them, but give you something to look forward to?