Life

Marie Louise McConville: Those with underlying conditions should not have their coronavirus concerns dismissed

Those living with underlying health conditions have a right to feel nervous about coronavirus
Those living with underlying health conditions have a right to feel nervous about coronavirus Those living with underlying health conditions have a right to feel nervous about coronavirus

So, is anyone else worried?

I know we're not supposed to panic and we're certainly not supposed to stockpile but I don't mind admitting, I'm a bit concerned.

Even now, as I write this, the number of positive cases of coronavirus around the world and close to home is rising and I can't help but feel that's not going to improve any time soon.

It's all the conflicting advice that is getting to me.

While some officials say work from home others say just carry on with your lives as normal.

Then some say don't stockpile while others tell us to wash our hands regularly but how can we do this without a healthy supply of soap or sanitiser?

I know we're being told there is no need to panic but as someone with an underlying health condition - Type 1 Diabetes - I am a bit scared.

My condition means I already operate with a compromised immune system and by now we all know those with such conditions can be hit harder by coronavirus.

As the number of confirmed cases at home continues to rise, it has really got to me, especially when an update comes in while I am on shift.

Last week, after leaving the office feeling pretty worried, I found myself at the shops searching frantically for hand sanitiser.

I then realised it was sold out everywhere and this did not help how I was feeling.

Over the course of the next few days, I found myself at Asda - a number of times - buying things here and there.

I have now found myself with a small supply of pasta, beans, spaghetti hoops and handwash.

To be fair, I'm not sure how far it will get me but it makes me feel a little less anxious knowing I have some stuff in.

I know there are some people who will say this is selfish and I understand that but at the same time, I'm among those who are in a vulnerable position so I have to put myself and my family first. I'm sure I'm not the only one.

I just wish someone could get a hold on it and get a vaccine on the go.

It's the not knowing that is making my anxiety rise and leaving me sleepless some nights and I know that may sound crazy to some people but that's just the person I am.

With the release of the new Bond movie delayed, some sports fixtures being postponed, and some supermarket shelves being stripped bare, there is a sense of panic rising and I don't like it.

Those with underlying health conditions have a right to feel nervous and their feelings should not be dismissed.

In the meantime, I guess we carry on and hope for the best.

I wonder if anywhere is stocking any extra large bottles of calm - now that I would queue for.

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She has a figure most women would do anything for and now, Tess Daly has revealed the secret to her sensational look.

The 50-year-old tv presenter has revealed that every morning she skips in a bid to keep fit.

The Strictly star said she will "do five minutes of skipping at the start of the day - one minute on and one minute off, and it's great, it really wakes up the system".

She added that it's a "brilliant way to wake up" adding that it's "cheap and cheerful".

What a great tip.

Time to search the attic for that beloved childhood skipping rope.

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The winners of the Slim's Healthy Kitchen competition are Brendan McGlone from Belfast and Christine Chivers from Castledawson.