Common questions 
answered

We are all encouraged to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. However, it's recognised that not everyone is able to take the vaccine. 

You may wish to take extra care and precautions if you are caring for someone who is clinically extremely vulnerable. See this guidance for more details: in England, in Scotland, in Wales, or in Northern Ireland.

Sadly during the pandemic, there has been a spate of scams with fraudsters claiming to be funding research for vaccination work or to support people adversely affected, for example. If you care for anyone who is vulnerable to such scams, which can be hard to spot, this will be of great concern.

What can I do?

• To protect those you care for, you could talk to them about the importance of not giving away any of their personal information or financial information to callers - prompting them to call or talk to you in the first instance. 
• Ensure they have a strong password set up if they're often online and understand that they should not click on any unexpected links.
• Be aware of certain social sites where they may be targeted, eg, dating sites.
• Increase online security settings if possible.
• If they are unable to, get in touch with their bank immediately if you suspect any fraudulent transactions have taken place.
• Contact Action Fraud at 0300 123 2040 to report any suspected scams www.actionfraud.police.uk
• You can also forward any suspicious looking email to report@phishing.gov.org.uk - then ensure it is deleted.
  
  

The charity Independent Age has a range of information on what to do for more specific issues, including a useful guide.

The symptoms of long Covid can be broad and hard to identify. Common ones include excessive fatigue, shortness of breath, loss of taste and aching muscles.

More are listed on the NHS website here, which goes on to provide helpful information on what you can do if you think you are suffering.  

Covid Aid is a charity that offers further support and information, as well as a community of people who have shared experiences.

The Hub of Hope can also be accessed to find local sources of mental health support and services, both from the NHS and from other organisations.

On the NHS website, there is helpful guidance outlining what to do if you have COVID-19 and how to cope with different symptoms. See the guidance here.

If you are struggling to cope with the symptoms or for other reasons, do not hesitate to seek further advice by visiting 111 online or call 111. If you are experiencing any alarming or life-threatening symptoms such as extreme breathlessness or a seizure, call 999.