Covid-19 advice

For up to date advice about Covid-19 please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

How to stop infection spreading

There are things you can do to help reduce the risk of you and anyone you live with getting ill with coronavirus.

Do

  • wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
  • use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
  • wash your hands as soon as you get back home
  • cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
  • put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards

Don’t

  • do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
 

Advice for people at higher risk–Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Coronavirus can make anyone seriously ill. But some people are at a higher risk and need to take extra steps to avoid becoming unwell.
You may be at increased risk from coronavirus if you:

  • are 70 or older
  • are pregnant
  • have a condition that may increase your risk from coronavirus, such as Diabetes, Asthma, COPD, Heart disease, or take medication to suppress your immune system.

Pregnancy advice

If you’re pregnant and worried about coronavirus, you can get specific advice about coronavirus and pregnancy from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

People most at risk

People most at risk from coronavirus are sometimes called “shielded” or “extremely vulnerable” people.

This includes people who:

  • have had an organ transplant
  • are having certain types of cancer treatment
  • have blood or bone marrow cancer, such as leukaemia
  • have a severe lung condition, such as cystic fibrosis or severe asthma
  • have a condition or are taking medicine that makes them much more likely to get infections
  • are pregnant and have a serious heart condition

People with certain health conditions

Some charities and organisations have worked with the NHS to produce specific advice about coronavirus.

Lung conditions, such as COPD – British Lung Foundation: coronavirus and COVID-19

Joint and muscle conditions, such as arthritis – Versus Arthritis: coronavirus (COVID-19)

Heart disease – British Heart Foundation: coronavirus – what it means for you if you have heart or circulatory disease

Page last reviewed: 06 April 2023