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Health Service Executive. (2020) At-risk groups and coronavirus. Dublin: HSE.

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External website: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/at-risk...


There are some groups of people who may be more at risk of serious illness if they catch coronavirus. But we do not think these groups have a higher risk of catching coronavirus. This is similar to other infections such as flu. You are more at risk of serious illness if you catch coronavirus and you: are 60 years of age and over - people over 75 are particularly vulnerable; have a long-term medical condition - for example, heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, cancer or high blood pressure; have a weak immune system (immunosuppressed)

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.

Smoking - 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.

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See also:

UISCE Covid-19 harm reduction resources from UISCE (advocacy group for people who use drugs).

HSE drugs.ie Corona virus and recovery

Public Health England:

 - COVID-19: guidance for hostel or day centre providers of services for people experiencing rough sleeping - GOV.UK Published 16 March 2020

 - COVID-19: residential care, supported living and home care guidance Published 13 March 2020

 - COVID-19: guidance on social distancing and for vulnerable people Published 16 March 2020

European Harm reduction network Covid-19 resource centre

Harm Reduction Coalition Covid-19 guidance for people who use drugs and harm reduction programs

British Columbia Centre on Substance Use Covid resources

Canadian Drug Policy Coalition Coronavirus harm reduction resource

US National Institute on Drug Abuse Potential implications for individuals with substance use disorders

British Geriatrics Society Managing the COVID-19 pandemic in care homes

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