Specific health conditions and Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Written: 24th March 2020

Updated: 2nd April 2020

There are certain health conditions that make people more at risk from Coronavirus (COVID-19). The NHS has advice for people who are high risk: 

Advice for people at high risk

If you're at high risk of getting seriously ill from coronavirus, there are extra things you should do to avoid catching it.

These include:

• not leaving your home – you should not go out to do shopping, visit friends or family, or attend any gatherings
• avoiding close contact with other people in your home as much as possible

Read the full advice on protecting yourself if you're at high risk from coronavirus on GOV.UK.

Who is at high risk?

You may be at high risk from coronavirus if you:

• 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 that makes you much more likely to get infections
• are taking medicine that weakens your immune system
• are pregnant and have a serious heart condition

What to do if you are at high risk

Specific health conditions and Coronavirus (COVID-19)

A range of organisations have created tailored advice on Coronavirus (COVID-19) for people living with specific health conditions:  

• The National Eczema Society has advice on handwashing for those with eczema and other skin conditions: https://eczema.org/blog/advice-on-coronavirus-covid-19-for-people-with-eczema/
• Cancer charities have collaborated to produce information on covid-19 for people with cancer: https://bloodwise.org.uk/sites/default/files/documents/one_cancer_voice_advice_on_coronavirus_for_people_with_cancer.pdf
• The British Heart Foundation has published guidance for people with heart or circulatory disease. https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/news/coronavirus-and-your-health
• Diabetes UK is publishing regular updates for people living with diabetes: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about_us/news/coronavirus
• Asthma UK has produced advice for people with asthma https://www.asthma.org.uk/advice/triggers/coronavirus-covid-19/
• The Cystic Fibrosis Trust have created advice for those with cystic fibrosis and their families to help minimise their risk of coronavirus: https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/news/uk-cf-medical-associations-statement-on-coronavirus
• The British Lung Foundation have created a guide to 'What should people with a lung condition do now?'
• Overcoming MS is a place for people with MS to find relevant information and support, including through the COVID-19 crisis. 

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