Coronavirus: a Teenager's Guide
 Coronavirus (Covid-19) is a respiratory illness. This can be scary as you may not feel control over what is happening, but it is important to follow the guidelines and separate rumours or fake news from reality.
There are a number of places where you can read factual information about Coronavirus however, it is best to stick to a few official sources. These will help keeping you grounded, as otherwise you might imagine far worse situations than reality. 

And remember..
  • we have a successful vaccine and booster programme in the UK - take your free vaccine when you are offered one, this is the best defence against Covid-19
  • we have free tests available - test with a LFT twice a week
  • the Government is working hard to make sure people in the UK are safe
  • not everyone will get the virus and if they do, the vast majority is going to recover fully
  • you might see a lot of stories and posts on social media but it can be hard to know whether these are true. Try not to rely on updates from there!
Youth Out Loud! recommends you to check:

FAQ

1. What are the symptoms of Coronavirus?
The most common symptoms of Coronavirus are:
  • a high temperature or fever (above 37.8 degrees)- this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back
  • a new continuous cough-  this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours 
  • shortness of breath
  • a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
However, these symptoms don't always mean that you have caught Coronavirus. These are also very common symptoms to other colds and flus.

2. How can I help prevent the spread of Coronavirus?
If you have any of the Coronavirus symptoms, then you should request a PCR test. They are free. You should not go to the GP, to a pharmacy or hospital and you should arrange a test to see if you have Covid-19.

Even if you don't have Coronavirus symptoms, everyone at this time should help prevent the spread of coronavirus. Keep up with the news and Government's advice Here.
3. What other new measures are there?
On 9th December 2021 the government announced we go will go to Plan B in England meaning some rules on what you can and cannot do will change. Read this article to know more.

4. One of my family members is unwell. What should I do?
If you have COVID-19 symptoms you should stay at home and self-isolate immediately. You should arrange to have a PCR test as soon as possible. If this PCR test result is positive, you must continue to self-isolate.

If you do not have COVID-19 symptoms, but you have a positive PCR test result, you must stay at home and self-isolate.

If you live in the same household as someone with COVID-19, you must stay at home and self-isolate if you are not fully vaccinated or if they have been identified as a suspected or confirmed case of the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

If you live in the same household as someone with COVID-19 that has not been identified as a suspected or confirmed case of the Omicron variant, and you are fully vaccinated or aged under 18 years and 6 months, you are not required to self-isolate.
If you have any questions about Coronavirus (COVID-19) that are related to education, the Department of Education have setup a dedicated helpline. You can call 0800 046 8687 or email DfE.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk from 8am to 6pm (Monday to Friday).

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