Skip to main content

covid-19 and other viruses

Keeping Safe when Vulnerable to Infections

Information on keeping safe from COVID 19 and other viruses.

When faced with viral infections such as COVID-19, access to clear and reliable advice can help you better manage this situation. There are supports and information out there. We have gathered here some reliable information and listed some of the supports available to you.

What is COVID 19?

COVID-19 is an illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It’s caused by a virus called coronavirus. The main symptoms of COVID-19 are a cough, high temperature, difficulty breathing and shortness of breath. If you develop symptoms you will need to self isolate at home for 5 days. Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. If your symptoms have fully/mostly gone for 48 hours you can end isolation after 5 days. However, avoid meeting people who are high-risk for 10 days.

Phone your GP if you feel very unwell, your breathing changes/becomes difficult, or your cough gets worse. Call 112 or 999 if you are very short of breath and your GP is not available.

HSE on testing as of March 2024: You do not need a COVID-19 test unless a GP or healthcare worker advises you to have one. If you want to do a COVID-19 test, read our advice on using COVID-19 antigen tests bought in a pharmacy or shop.

For further information on the virus, and how to protect yourself and others from its spread, visit the HSE website:  COVID-19 (coronavirus) – HSE.ie

Guidance for Cancer Patients

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government recommended that vulnerable groups, including the over 70s and those that have serious underlying conditions such as certain cancers, cocoon themselves and minimise their interaction with people both within and outside of their homes to protect themselves from contracting coronavirus.

Currently, the advice is avoid crowded spaces and people with symptoms, wash hands often and wear a face mask. The HSE also advises you to keep active and take care of your general health in order to aid recovery should you contract coronavirus.

HSE COVID-19 advice for vulnerable persons: Weak immune system and COVID-19 – HSE.ie

For further information on how COVID-19 affects people with experience of cancer the Irish Cancer Society and the Marie Keating Foundation have a lot of useful information. See links below.

Irish Cancer Society – COVID 19 and Cancer

Marie Keating Foundation – Information on COVID-19 for cancer patients and their families

Reliable sources of information.

It is always important that we get our information from reliable sources. As we have seen over the last few years regarding COVID-19, there is so much incorrect information popping up everywhere. Please make sure that you check the source of the information before believing it! Here are some sources we recommend that will provide reliable information.

HSE – General COVID 19 information

World Health Organisation – General COVID 19 information

Keeping Connected

There are many services available out there for people to connect remotely when attending events in person is not possible. Many events are now ‘hybrid’ by default, meaning you can choose to attend online or in-person.

If you need advice or support don’t hesitate to get in touch with 221+ via email (info@221plus.ie) or other members via the private members website.

Use the 221+ directory to find a local cancer support centre / group: Regional Support – 221 Plus

Older people can phone the charity ALONE on 0818 222 024 (Alone) for help and support.

If you cannot meet up with people in person, you can keep connected with others through social media, email, phone or even the old fashioned way, writing!

Tips for Healthy Social Media Use!

Set time limits or use apps that regulate your time online.

Don’t compare yourself with others online and focus on your real friends and family when using social media.

Unplug from social media (and the phone in general) before bed for a better night’s sleep.

Use social media as a gratitude journal or a space to really connect, rather than scroll. Share things that really matter to you.

Be aware of traceability online, take care revealing any personal information and think about what you want the world to be able to see.

Always use reliable sources of information. Social media is not the best place to get accurate advice.

221+ Support

We also would like to remind members of the 221+ supports that are already available and encourage you to use them fully. We are available to support 221+ members via email and are always at the end of the phone if you want to talk things through. Please request our phone numbers or a callback via email or the member’s section of the website by messaging a member of staff.

  • Our email address:info@221plus.ie
  • 221+ operates a text service and runs various online workshops and coffee mornings for members. If needed, we can transfer entirely to online events.
  • If you are a 221+ member and have any questions about cervical cancer or 221+ please remember to use the Ask The Specialist option in the member section of the website: Ask the Specialist – 221+ Members (221plus.ie)
  • And please remember that 221+ members have access to the members forum. This is a great place to connect with your fellow members via messages, posts and groups. You can use this site to connect with other members in your local area or to ask questions or talk online.
  • We also have Peer Supporters who either can provide 221+ members with general support or topic-specific support based on their own experience, for example of the courts system or a particular treatment side-effect. Please contact 221+ by email if you wish to be connected with a peer supporter. There is more information about this here: Become a Peer Supporter or Patient Representative – 221+ Members (221plus.ie)

More Resources:

In this section