There are some groups of people who may be at risk of serious illness if they catch coronavirus This is similar to other infections such as flu.

These people need to take extra care to protect themselves from coronavirus. This is on top of the advice that everyone needs to follow to protect themselves and others from coronavirus.

It’s important you follow this advice. You should also ask the people in your life to take extra care to protect you from coronavirus.

If someone you care for is in one of these high-risk groups, share this information with them. Make sure they understand how important it is they follow this advice.

At-risk groups

You are more at risk of serious illness if you catch coronavirus and you:

  • are 60 years of age and over - people over 70 are particularly vulnerable

  • have a long-term medical condition - for example, heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, cancer, cerebrovascular disease, renal disease, liver disease or

  • high blood pressure

  • have a weak immune system (immunosuppressed)

  • have a medical condition that can affect your breathing

  • are a resident of a nursing home or other residential care setting

  • are in specialist disability care and are over 50 years of age or have an underlying health problem

Some people in the at-risk groups are extremely medically vulnerable and need to cocoon.

What people in at-risk groups should do

The advice now for everyone is to stay at home. 

You do not need to self-isolate unless you have symptoms of coronavirus. 

If you are caring for someone in an at-risk group, it is very important you follow the advice on how to protect yourself from coronavirus.

If you develop a fever or any respiratory symptoms contact your GP or HSELive on 1850 241 850.

Weak immune system and coronavirus

There are many things that can cause a weak immune system (immunosuppressed).

These include:

  • cancer treatment

  • treatment for autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis (MS) and inflammatory bowel diseases

  • HIV

  • having an organ transplant or a bone-marrow transplant

Other lung viruses can cause severe illness in people who have a weak immune system. This is likely to be the same for coronavirus. This is why you should take extra care if you have a weak immune system. This is similar for other infections, such as flu.

Phone your doctor if you have any symptoms of coronavirus and are concerned.

Continue to attend for any planned treatment, unless you have been told not to. If you have been in close contact with someone with coronavirus, phone the hospital before your appointment.

Hospital service disruptions and visiting restrictions (COVID-19)

Asthma and coronavirus

Having a chronic lung illness such as asthma may be associated with severe symptoms if you get coronavirus.

If you have asthma you need to make sure it’s well managed especially during this coronavirus outbreak.

Keep taking all of your asthma medicine as prescribed. Do not stop taking any of your medicines unless you first discuss it with your GP.

You should have an action plan from your doctor. If you do not have one, make one now. Call the Asthma Adviceline on 1800 44 54 64 to get an action plan or download and print off an action plan (PDF, 2 pages, 330KB).

What to do if you are diagnosed with coronavirus

If you are diagnosed you may be treated at home or you may be admitted to hospital. This decision will be made with your GP. it will depend on your symptoms, your home situation and the risk of spreading coronavirus.

If you are being treated at home continue to take all your inhalers as normal. Your GP may add steroids if necessary.

Be prepared to deal with an asthma attack in case you have one.

COPD and coronavirus

Having a chronic lung illness such as COPD may be associated with severe symptoms if you get coronavirus.

If you have COPD you need to make sure it’s well managed especially during this coronavirus outbreak.

Keep taking all of your COPD medicine as prescribed. Do not stop taking any of your medicines unless you first discuss it with your GP.

You should have a communication card and self- management plan from your GP.

It is important that you continue to follow your communication card action plan and take your inhalers as normal. Carry your reliever inhaler (usually blue)with you at all times.

The symptoms of coronavirus are similar to COPD, including breathlessness and cough. The main symptom of coronavirus which is different from COPD is experiencing a ‘new’ fever.

What to do if you are diagnosed with coronavirus

If you are diagnosed you may be treated at home or you may be admitted to hospital. This decision will be made with your GP. it will depend on your symptoms, your home situation and the risk of spreading coronavirus.

If you are being treated at home continue to take all your inhalers as normal. Your GP may add steroids if necessary.

There is more information on the COPD Support Ireland website on how to manage your COPD.

Call the COPD Adviceline Freephone 1800 83 21 46.

Smoking and coronavirus

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is an acute respiratory infection. Respiratory infections are serious infections that affect normal breathing. A wide range of bacteria and viruses cause these infections.

Smoking affects the immune system in the airways, lung tissue and throughout the body. This reduces your natural protection against infections, like coronavirus.

This means that if you smoke:

  • you have an increased risk of getting acute respiratory infections

  • you have a greater risk of the infection lasting longer

  • you have a greater risk of the infection being more serious than it would be for someone who does not smoke

Second-hand smoke has similar effects. Children who are exposed to smoke are at increased risk of acute respiratory infections.

Stopping smoking reduces your risk of smoking-related illness. Reducing exposure to second-hand smoke is also important, especially for children.