Coronavirus

What is coronavirus?

COVID-19 is a type of coronavirus. It can affect people's lungs and airways, but is usually milder for children and young people. Most people who get COVID or coronavirus will recover fully, but it can still be dangerous for some people.

In 2020 much of the world went into lockdown. This meant that there were times when people couldn’t go to school or work, couldn’t see people outside their home and had to stay at home most of the time.

Even though the lockdown is over, lots of people are still feeling affected by it. If you’re worried about COVID-19 or anything that’s happened, we’re here to support you.

Symptoms of coronavirus

The symptoms of COVID-19 for children and young people are usually mild, and most will get better in a few days.

Some people might have COVID-19 but not have any symptoms at all, symptoms can include:

a high fever
a cough you haven’t had before
losing your sense of taste or smell
shortness of breath
feeling tired or exhausted
an aching body
a headache
a sore throat
a blocked or runny nose
loss of appetite
diarrhoea
feeling sick or being sick

The symptoms of COVID-19 can be really similar to other types of illnesses, like a cough or a cold. If you’re worried you might be sick, it’s important to tell an adult you trust.

Following the latest guidance

There aren’t currently any restrictions on what you’re allowed to do, including if you think you have coronavirus.

If you’ve tested positive for COVID-19 or you have symptoms of it, the NHS recommends that you stay at home and avoid having contact with others.

Find out more about the government’s latest guidance.

Vaccinations and stopping the spread of COVID-19

Anyone over the age of 5 can get a vaccination to protect from COVID-19. You can find out more about the vaccine and how to get one on the NHS website. We’ve also got advice to help if you’re feeling anxious about getting vaccinations.

Social distancing is no longer required by law, but there may be times you’re asked to do things like wear a mask. And it’s important to think about what makes you comfortable when you’re out.

You can find out more about how to avoid catching or spreading COVID-19 on the NHS website.

4 places to get support:

Speak to an adult you trust
Find reliable information on the NHS website
Talk to a Childline counsellor
Use the Coping Kit to feel better

looking out for
MYSELF

We've got lots of advice about looking out for yourself

Coping after the lockdown

The lockdown has had a big effect on lots of people’s lives. And even though it’s finished, lots of people are still struggling.

There are lots of things you might be worried about, and it can help to talk about what’s happening.

You might be struggling to cope with:

Things that happened during lockdown

The lockdown meant that you may have had to spend lots of time at home, or away from people you needed. It also made it harder for lots of people to get support.

Even when something has happened in the past, it can still have a big affect on you. And it’s important to talk about it.

If you’re struggling to cope, it can help to look at advice on getting through a tough time, ways to start a difficult conversation, or by talking to a counsellor at Childline.

Coping with loss

When someone dies it can bring up lots of feelings, but there’s no right or wrong way to feel. Lots of people weren’t able to see people they cared about before they died during lockdown, and that can bring up lots of reasons as well.

Grieving and dealing with loss can take time, and it’s always okay to talk about what you’re experiencing. If you're trying to cope with loss, we've got advice and support to help.

Mental health

Mental health is important for everyone, and the lockdown might have had a big impact on it. Having to stay at home for a long time can be really hard, and it’s natural to struggle with that even after the lockdown has finished.

If you’re struggling with your feelings, it can help to:

Talk about what’s happening with someone you trust
Make a plan for how to cope if things get too much
Try new things to feel good or distract yourself
Visit your GP or speak to your school nurse

Feeling unsafe now

You no longer need to follow social distancing in the UK, but we know it can still feel difficult getting support when you need it sometimes.

There are lots of reasons you might feel unsafe:

you or someone you know is being hurt or abused at home
you’re having lots of arguments with people you live with
you’ve run away or you’ve been told you have to leave
anything else happens that makes you feel unsafe or scared.

Sometimes it can feel difficult to get help because you’re isolating or you’re not able to go into school. Whatever’s happening, there are ways to get help. You can talk to a Childline counsellor about anything, and in an emergency you should always call 999.

Get advice on making a safety plan.

Dealing with anxiety

It’s natural to feel anxious about things that are happening in the world, especially if you’re not feeling in control. But whatever’s happening, there are ways to cope:

Talk about it
You’re not alone in how you’re feeling, and it can help to talk. Speak to someone you trust, or a Childline counsellor.
Focus on your body
Anxiety can feel overwhelming sometimes, but focusing on your breathing and trying some exercises can help to calm you down.
Take time away from the news
Lots of news articles will have titles designed to make you anxious so you read them. Only look at news you trust and take a break from it every day.
Give yourself time
It’s natural to worry and it’s okay to need time to yourself. If you’re pushing yourself to just carry on, make time to take breaks and do something you enjoy.