I began shielding early (in February) when the first case was reported in our offices. I wish we had had better advice in the beginning instead of finding out that diabetics one of the highest mortality rates. They could have used your A1c results, additional underlying conditions, age and gender to determine who shields and receives specialist support.
Having experienced just how difficult and hard work it is to manage a viral infection (I had gastroenteritis last year that took me a week to recover), I decided that it was best to avoid as much human contact as possible.
Now, my big concern and decision is, as we come out of lockdown and shops, offices etc start opening, do I stop shielding or do I sit around waiting for a proven vaccine. Whilst it is an individual choice – we each know our ability to manage our condition – I’d be interested in what others are thinking…
Your right we should each know our levels of tolerance in terms of managing how we navigate society in easing back, or not. The big issue for me is that i do not know other peoples behaviours, attitudes and values that may impact on how the act in confined spaces. Prior to the lockdown, in January, i was waiting in a queue and the chap in front of me, at the chemists turned and coughed in my face, he did not cover his face or have a tissue. He then picked up and examined goods as we waited in queue to be served. At the same time another chap wanted something that was at ankle level infant of me, but he was standing behind, as he bent and over stretched he hung onto my legs. He did not apologise but said why did you have to get in my way?
So, having had pneumonia in December and January following a virus and chest infection i decided to go home and stop at home and am still at home. Have walked most days apart from the 8 weeks during the lockdown when the world and his wife realised that they could actually walk, ride bikes, run etc., I feel the government are about 2-4 weeks ahead of where i feel we should be so, i am going to stay at home, walk when i can, following safe distancing 2 metres, meet family the other side of my gate, until i feel it is safe to do otherwise. Already some of the behaviour at places like Weston Super Mare and Devon have reinforced my decision. I'm enjoying learning new things at home and have plenty to do and whats more important i can spare a few weeks to enhance my chances of surviving this novel virus. I'm 70 type 1.5 and use medication, diet and exercise to control my diabetes. What makes my bs shoot up is fear and stress from the adrenalin and our local shops are not that user friendly. So on line shopping suits me too. Hope that helps. Just another view and everyone has to do whats right for them.