I have a questions in regards to when it is okay to return back to an office setting for work, as opposed to working from home?
My endo wrote me a letter for stay at home orders because of compromised immunity with type 1. I am in the process of trying to get an answer back from my endo but need to know more info as I am set to return to working in office 5/18/2020. I am not sure how cautious is too cautious? My normal self would do whatever is necessary but with this unprecedented time and vague knowledge of outer perimeters. Not sure what, or when is a considered safe time for some with chronic illness? Any information is appreciated in advance.
Hi @spiritualokie. Excellent question. Someplace on the forum is the story of a young woman with diabetes who if I recall correctly sheltered in place by herself while she had the Coronavirus. And in the news there are stories of people in their 80s and up who have recovered as well.
I’m no medical professional but that would suggest to me that some people have powerful immune systems despite their age or any underlying conditions. My best - non-medical - advice is to know your own body and do what makes you feel safe if you have any choice in the matter.
An interesting thought Katie @spiritualokie; and thanks for opening a discussion on returning to social integration.
It doesn’t matter what other states, or what your state is allowing, what does matter is the state of your health and your particular work-place conditions. An autoimmune conditions, such as “TypeOne Autoimmune Diabetes”, does not in itself indicate that one has a “weak immune” system; “autoimmune system” and “immune system” are two different animals. It appears that my immune system is considerably stronger than many people around me; I haven’t had the flu, common colds, etc. although I worked very closely with hundreds of other people for over 50 years who needed to take off work to care for those colds and annual flu.
For people with diabetes - the many varieties, what could be a primary reason to NOT return to work would be heavy fluctuations in BG, unman aged diabetes, a personal history of respiratory infection, history of viral flu infection, and of course improper work-site conditions.
for me, the solution is simple; I’m retired and do not need to return to a work-place, I intend to continue avoiding contact with as many people as possible. I will miss my gym sessions working out with a few friends.
IMO, it’s a bit of a crap shoot. Plenty of people even with T1 will get the virus and survive. Some won’t. If you have 1 or more of the worrisome “underlying health conditions“ then you’re better off not exposed to others, but especially others with some risky vector ( doctor exposed to the virus, people traveling, and children exposed to either). Because this virus is contagious during a long period before the host feels sick, it represents a very difficult issue to contain. At some point decisions have to be made of a very personal nature. It has to be of your own best interest. If the “in the Wild” numbers dwindled first, it’ll be safer. If they don’t it won’t.
The information already shared is a good start as you deal with a return to work. The American Diabetes Association and JDRF have information on their websites about T1D and risks for Covid-19. As I understand it, if you follow social distancing guidelines and have well managed diabetes, you’re not at any greater risk than the general population. Good luck with your decision, and I hope you remain healthy.