Lowering your risk from COVID-19
If you’re at high-risk from COVID-19, the best way to lower your risk of becoming seriously ill is by getting vaccinated. We have more information about the COVID-19 vaccine.
Being up to date with your vaccines could stop you having COVID-19 at the same time as other infections. It’s safe to have the flu vaccine, pneumonia vaccine and COVID- 19 vaccine at the same time.
COVID-19 spreads when people with the virus breathe, speak, cough or sneeze and release droplets containing the virus into the air. You can help reduce your risk of getting COVID-19 by:
- washing your hands regularly, using soap and water or hand sanitiser
- covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze
- cleaning surfaces in your home often, especially if they are touched a lot.
If you smoke, the best thing to do for your health is stop smoking. Quitting smoking is one of the best ways to protect yourself from viral infections, including coronavirus.
Should I wear a face covering?
Face coverings, when worn correctly, can reduce the spread of COVID-19.
You might want to wear a face mask when:
- you’re meeting someone who is at high-risk from COVID-19
- you’re meeting people in crowded spaces
- other cold and flu virus rates are high, such as in winter.
If you have a lung condition, you might want to wear a face covering more often, such as when you are in shops, on public transport, or in other indoor or crowded places.
Most people with a lung condition, even if it’s severe, can manage to wear a face mask for a short period of time. When worn properly, a face mask does not reduce a person’s oxygen supply or cause a build-up of carbon dioxide.
Get support
Call or WhatsApp our Helpline for support with your condition. Get advice on your medicines, symptoms or travelling with a lung condition, or just call us to say hello.