The following information on the current pandemic is aimed at those with the rare endocrine diseases for whom we provide information resources and support services.  It is from reputable sources such as the NHS and the World Health Organisation in conjunction with our own medical advisors and those of other organisations.

Beware of misinformation that is being spread on social media.

On this page, we bring together, and regularly review and update, the information currently available to us, so check back regularly.

As we cope with the 3rd wave over the Winter of 2020/2021 and an horrific death toll, it continues to be essential to follow the advice given out by the NHS which is detailed below.  Whilst the majority of people may have mild to no symptoms and not require hospital treatment, the virus spreads easily (particularly the new variants), and can have a devastating effect on those who are more vulnerable.

We all need to do our bit to protect one another.

This page was reviewed on: 24/02/2021

Jo and Helen are working their usual hours from home (Jo – full time 9am-5pm; Helen part time 9am-2pm Mon-Thurs).  Helen is also visiting the office once a week to process memberships and merchandise orders.

The UK has now approved 3 COVID-19 vaccines and is currently rolling out two of these (Pfizer/BioNtech and Oxford/AstraZeneca).  If you are not sure about having a COVID vaccine, we strongly recommend that you read the evidence and information at the links given below.  Vaccines are a way for a community to look after one another, in the same way that the flu jab each year.  The uptake so far has been over 90% in all groups.

Below, we list a range of questions and corresponding information resources:

1. Is the COVID vaccine safe?
2. All about the vaccine, research and priority list (NHS)
3. Statement from the Society for Endocrinology about the vaccine and endocrine conditions
4. Why vaccination is safe and important
5. When can I expect to receive my vaccination?
6. What to expect after the vaccination

The current vaccination priority list is as follows (more details can also be found here):

1. residents in a care home for older adults and their carers
2. all those 80 years of age and over and frontline health and social care workers
3. all those 75 years of age and over
4. all those 70 years of age and over and clinically extremely vulnerable individuals – and now also people having active cancer treatment as well as many in follow-up [see also footnote 1 on click above]
5. all those 65 years of age and over
6. all individuals aged 16 years [see also footnote 2 via link above] to 64 years with underlying health conditions which put them at higher risk of serious disease and mortality [see also footnote 3 via link above – re same stage vaccination of unpaid carers]
7. all those 60 years of age and over
8. all those 55 years of age and over
9. all those 50 years of age and over

Social Media:  AMEND does not tolerate the spreading of misinformation on our social media channels.  We reserve the right to remove any posts or comments that do so without notice, and to report and block any suspect accounts from our Pages or Groups.

The main symptoms of Coronavirus can include:

• A new, continuous cough
• A high temperature
• Muscle aches
• Gastric symptoms (e.g. Diarrhoea, pain)
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Headache
• Loss of, or change to, your sense of taste or smell

If you have any coronavirus symptoms:

Get a test and stay at home (this includes children)

If you have Adrenal Insufficiency:

If you have symptoms, apply the ‘sick day rules’ immediately.  That is; double (or even triple) your oral dose of corticosteroid (hydrocortisone, prednisolone, etc).  If you become suddenly worse or are struggling to breathe and cope at home, give yourself your emergency injection of hydrocortisone and contact the NHS 111 Coronavirus Service [external link]

• The ADSHG have more information on this here[link]
• The Pituitary Foundation have more information on this here[external link]
• The Society for Endocrinology have more advice here [PDF Download]

If you are Receiving Cancer Treatment

You should be notified of any changes to your usual treatment routine.  If you have not heard from them and have treatment due, please contact the appropriate department as soon as possible.

• There is more information for people with cancer here [PDF download]
• For more information on staying at home click here
• For more information on caring for someone with coronavirus in your home click here

Specific advice has been prepared by the UK’s Society for Endocrinology (and the ABCD) for people with the following:

• Adrenal insufficiency
• Diabetes (by the ABCD)
• Parathyroid conditions
• Neuroendocrine tumours (e.g. PNETs)

Shielding (Clinically Extremely Vulnerable):

Those who were identified as extremely vulnerable and at the highest risk level for complications due to COVID-19, are held on a list by the NHS.  This list may be updated from time to time based on ongoing research.

Please click here for the 2021 guidance on shielding [external link]

View the full, current list of high risks and advice here [external link]

In all hospitals in the UK that are treating COVID-19 patients, arrangements have been made in a way so as to affect other services as little as possible, and to minimise the spread of the virus.  In some cases, within an NHS Trust, COVID-19 cases are being dealt with at one hospital within the Trust only.

Therefore, if you have a concern about cancer or you are experiencing a health emergency, please contact your doctor or visit A&E as you would usually.

Cancer Referrals

There has been a worrying (and unnecessary) drop in the number of referrals to cancer specialists during the pandemic.  People with rare endocrine conditions are just as susceptible to other, more common cancers as the rest of the population.  Therefore, if you notice any of the following symptoms, you should not hesitate to contact your GP:

• Blood in pee or poo
• Skin or breast changes
• Cough, heartburn or bloating for 3 weeks or more
• Out of breath more than usual

Health Emergencies

• If you have adrenal insufficiency (are steroid-dependent) and feel that you are approaching an adrenal crisis, increase your steroids according to ‘sick-day rules’ and go to A&E as normal.
• For any other emergency related to your condition, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor or go to A&E if it becomes serious.