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:

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

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