Coping during the Coronavirus outbreak

[Sophie_M]

We recognise that many of us here in the community are feeling scared, worried and overwhelmed about Coronavirus (COVID19). 

As a result, we created this thread to allow people to come together here during those difficult times and encouraged those wanting to share or seek support to do so here in this space. 
 
It was important with this thread that we maintained perspective and supported each other as best as we could, medical, scientific and public health experts around the world have and still are working hard to contain the virus and treat those affected. 
 
The Beyond Blue Support Service is available via phone 24/7 on 1300 22 4636 or via beyondblue.org.au/get-support for online chat. 
 
There are some other helpful discussions taking place here within our forum community that you may find helpful to read or participate in: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/staying-well/hi-there-i-only-just-joined-and... 

This thread is now closed for further posting. Users are still able to read through and find support through already existing posts.  

[Guest_1584]

Ha , l've actually forgotten all about that stuff N , and l'm well under the age mark they're normally using in Australia now so l suppose l should be keeping an eye out.

Just wondering anyone know about the 12wk or 6 wk to the second vax thing. ? When l got mine they told me they've changed it to 6 wks now for the AZ , so l get my second one in 6. Maybe l should wait the 12 , thoughts ?

rx

[Needleina]

My dr said my next appt would be in 6 weeks as that’s the new recommendation. I don’t live in Sydney and our cases are not that high and as I really don’t go anywhere the dr said we could play it by ear. Apparently 12 weeks might ( no one really knows for sure I guess) mean I don’t need ( another 🤦‍♀️) booster as early. Having said that the LGAs between us and Sydney are creeping up in numbers so I might do the 6 weeks.

[Moonstruck]

People will stand oppression for just so long...then no longer! I think your NSW Gladys has realised this....something our Q Premier is stubbornly resisting as long as she possibly can..

.also one wonders what kind of a Governor our State is going to have when Medical officer Jeanette Young takes over in November. apparently the role of Governor doesn't require her to publicly speak all that much which is a good thing as Jeanette only knows one phrase she continually drags out...from Day One to just this morning..

."we're not out of the woods yet"... {get another script writer Dr)

[quirkywords]

rx

I had mine AZ 6 weeks apart and was fine. It is confusing as they said 12 then 8 then 6 then 4 and there is a talk of a booster one next year.

[Hanna3]

Hi I think people best to get doctors advice re AZ second dose. I'm in an area with a lot of covid but both GP and pharmacist advised me to wait the full 12 weeks as only about 60% immunity at 6 weeks but about 81% at 12 weeks. They advised me to wait it out.

Everyone is going to need a booster in a few months too.

Yes the different advice is confusing.

[Elizabeth CP]

AZ effectiveness is better if you wait 8-12 weeks between doses. This is what they found in the UK. So waiting longer between doses (up to 12 weeks) is best normally but if you catch Covid you are better to have had the 2 doses so if you are at high risk of getting covid due to your job or lots of cases where you shop walk etc getting the 2nd dose earlier is better. Each person should make their own assessment of what would be better depending on your risk of exposure in the next month or two.

I am finding the rapid escalation of cases here in Melbourne very depressing. It feels as though there is no hope and no end. I am fully vaccinated so low risk of Covid but the ongoing stress of caring for my hsb with no decent breaks is really hard. Fear of going to an exposure site and having to isolate as that would mean losing what supports we currently have. Medical treatment my hsb needs is now on hold. It feels never ending.

[Hanna3]

Hi yes I know we have to weigh up risk factors with the time between jabs of the AZ, which is why I think people need to get the advice of their doctor and/or pharmacist. I'm high risk and thought of getting it early but was advised to wait the full 12 weeks.

I have no idea when we will get out of lockdown in this part of NSW. It's tough for everyone but this plague is world wide and it keeps mutating especially in south Africa where most people have been unable to get vaccinated.

These are very tricky times. The whole world is stuck in it. At least people here can offer support to each other. I find it helps to remember the whole world is in the same situation except those in poor countries are much worse off. We're lucky to be in a wealthy country! 🌻

[Guest_1584]

Thanks for the info people very appreciated. From what l got a chance to read about a bit tonight yeah it's all said much the same too, 4 to 12 wks around Europe and 4 to 6 is fine but 12 wks is a little more effective that's all. So it's reassuring to hear also that people right here and their different doctors and info along all the same lines. l;m gonna change my 6 wk 2nd shot to 8 to 12 wks. Just bc we have no cases to speak of where l am but as people here are saying too, depends, earlier if things get worse between now and then, hope not.

But yeah, it is pretty disheartening l know with numbers not improving. We can at least draw a lot from Europe and around the world though , most seem to be open again and managing .

[Added]

Its really helpful to read everyones experience with the vaccine... and happy to hear that you are all doing pretty well. I got mine today - so far just a bit of a sore arm, but like a lot of you, I am in hyper vigilance mode and my health anxiety is in overdrive.... hope I can get through the night without too much panic!!!

[Guest_1643]

Good to hear Added! I have such medical anxiety!! Nice that ppl,hear understand, this time requires empathy