COVID-19 (coronavirus) can make anyone seriously ill. But for some people, the risk is higher.
If you are at higher risk from COVID-19, follow the advice below on how to protect yourself. Use your own judgement to stay safe in public and crowded places.
People at higher risk
People over 65 are at the highest risk of serious illness from COVID-19 if they have not been vaccinated.
Serious illness means that you may need to go to hospital, an intensive care unit (ICU), or be put on a ventilator to help you breathe. There is also a risk of death.
Conditions that put you at higher risk
You are also at higher risk from COVID-19 if you have certain long-term health conditions.
Weak immune system
Having a weak immune system (immunocompromised) also puts you at higher risk. Some of these conditions are listed above.
COVID-19 vaccines you should get if you have a weak immune system
If you have COVID-19 symptoms
Phone your GP if you have COVID-19 symptoms and you have a:
- high risk medical condition
- weak immune system (immunocompromised)
Your GP may refer you for a COVID-19 test.
Non-urgent advice: Phone your GP if:
- you have a very weak immune system (immunocompromised) and have symptoms of COVID-19
You may be recommended treatment for COVID-19.
Treatment for COVID-19
There are new medicines for early treatment of some people with COVID-19. Most people who catch COVID-19 don’t need this treatment. It’s available to people who are at the highest risk of serious illness or death from COVID-19.
Treatment for people at the highest risk from COVID-19
How to protect yourself if you're at high risk
Keeping up to date with your vaccines is the most important thing you can do to avoid serious COVID-19 illness. Talk to your GP or hospital care team if you have any questions about vaccination.
Do
- try to avoid crowded indoor spaces, if possible
- wear a medical or respirator face mask in indoor or outdoor crowded places, including public transport
- wash or sanitise your hands often
- continue to use the healthcare services you need - ask or remind healthcare workers about precautions if needed
- keep active and look after your general health - this will improve your chance of recovery if you get COVID-19
- keep 2 metres away from other people
Don't
- do not have contact with anyone who has COVID-19 or has symptoms of COVID-19
Going out
Going out is good for your health and wellbeing. The risk of catching COVID-19 is low if you keep away from other people.
You can tell people who provide services to you that you need to be extra careful to avoid COVID-19. They will usually try to fit you in at a quiet time and can take extra care to protect you.
If you have an appointment with your GP or at a hospital or clinic, it is important to attend.
You are more likely to be exposed to COVID-19 if you are in a place where there are large numbers of people indoors.
Staying safe at home
Try to keep the number of people who come into your house to visit, work or provide healthcare to a small number of trustworthy people. Then you can feel safe at home and relax there.
Check that anyone who comes to the house is well when they arrive. Make sure they have no symptoms of COVID-19.
Ask them to:
- clean their hands when they arrive
- wear a medical grade or respirator mask
- keep some distance from you whenever possible
What the people you live with should do
It is usually not practical for people living together to avoid contact with each other at home.
Other people you live with can protect you by:
- getting vaccinated and getting their booster dose when it's due
- washing their hands properly when they come into the house
- opening windows to let fresh air into shared spaces
- cleaning objects and surfaces they often touch such as door handles, kettles and phones
If anyone you live with has symptoms of COVID-19, they should self-isolate and avoid contact with you completely.
Telephone support
Stay in touch with friends and family. If you need help for any reason there are places you can go for help.
These include:
- ALONE have a support line for people concerned about COVID-19 or having difficulties. Phone: 0818 22 20 24
- Family Carers Ireland can help carers. Phone: 1800 24 07 24
- SAGE has information to help vulnerable adults, older people and healthcare patients. Phone: 0818 719 400
