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Mum has cancer, I have a virus!

ThunderGypsy
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Hello! I hope you're all well or as well as can be :)

I'm very sorry if this has been posted in the wrong place, I'm new here and looking for some advice, I'll be seeking medical advice additionally.

I live in Birmingham with my mum and husband. I'm away from home staying with a friend in Yorkshire. I'm due home in 10 days (2nd Feb) ; however I woke up today full of the cold (for the first time in years!). Mum is due for mastectomy in exactly a month (22nd Feb). Now, as I recall, a cold can stay contagious for "up to 2 weeks" and when my dad was on chemo, I was advised to isolate from him for up to 3 weeks, especially before any surgery or transplants. Is it safer for my mum if I stay where I am for an additional 9 days and return home on the 11th Feb?

 

Thank you for your time, and I hope the day treats you well. 

- Gypsy

(22/01/2022)

  • Hello Gypsy and thanks for your post,

    I am sorry to hear that both your mum and dad have been affected by cancer. I can understand that you are keen to make sure that you are not passing anything on to your mum.

    The 2nd of February is still quite a while off and hopefully before then you should feel better. If you have not done so already then do take a lateral flow test for Covid to make sure that you have not been infected. It may also be a good idea to take a lateral test just before you see your mum. If you still have cold symptoms then it is best to stay away until these have gone.

    Read the general guidelines about how long someone is infectious after a cold or flu here

    If you have any other concerns about how you are feeling then it is sensible to seek a medical opinion.

    I hope this helps.

    All the Best,

    Catherine

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