Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources for everyone
Helping you stay well at home
There’s a lot of unknowns in the world right now. Maintaining healthy routines, keeping active and looking after your mental health can help provide a sense of control during a time of uncertainty. We’ve created a selection of videos, articles and tools written by our experts, to help you manage your health and wellbeing under these tricky circumstances.
We’re updating this collection regularly - so be sure to check back again soon.
Watch our latest videos
Is it normal to have trouble sleeping?
During the current pandemic we have all had to adapt to a lot of change that can disrupt our sleep pattern. Here we outline some ways in which you may get a better nights sleep.
00:05 During the Coronavirus pandemic, we've all had to adapt to a lot of change
00:09 which can disrupt your sleep patterns.
00:12 If you haven't slept well, this can take a toll on your overall health
00:16 and well-being for the day ahead.
00:18 It's normal to have the odd bad night's sleep but you may be experiencing poor
00:24 sleep quality if you're continuously struggling to fall asleep or you
00:28 find yourself waking up frequently at night for more than 20 minutes.
00:33 There can be many reasons why you may be experiencing poor sleep quality.
00:38 These factors include having too much sugar in your body or not eating enough,
00:45 not getting enough exercise throughout the day, not drinking enough water, having
00:51 too much caffeine or drinking alcohol in the evening, and also high stress levels.
00:59 So what can be done to improve your sleep quality?
01:04 Cognitive behavioural therapy or CBT is a type of talking therapy which
01:09 can help you identify negative or unhelpful thinking patterns and
01:14 replace them with positive ones.
01:16 Paying attention to your thoughts and understanding how they make you
01:20 feel can enable you to recognise the source of your stress and make small
01:24 changes to help you feel better.
01:26 You can practice CBT either with a therapist.
01:29 Or using self help books.
01:31 Keeping up a good daily routine is also important to prepare your
01:35 body for a good night's sleep.
01:38 Try to exercise during the day is this can relieve anxiety and
01:41 stress leading to better sleep.
01:44 Avoid late night meals and alcohol or caffeine in the evening and try adopting
01:50 a pre-bedtime ritual like reading a book or having a hot bath or shower.
01:55 These routines should relax your mind and contribute to a good night's sleep.
02:00 If it's not clear what's causing your tiredness, you should speak
02:04 to your GP as there are other less common medical conditions
02:07 that can cause poor sleep quality.
02:10 Whatever's on your mind, we can help.
00:09 which can disrupt your sleep patterns.
00:12 If you haven't slept well, this can take a toll on your overall health
00:16 and well-being for the day ahead.
00:18 It's normal to have the odd bad night's sleep but you may be experiencing poor
00:24 sleep quality if you're continuously struggling to fall asleep or you
00:28 find yourself waking up frequently at night for more than 20 minutes.
00:33 There can be many reasons why you may be experiencing poor sleep quality.
00:38 These factors include having too much sugar in your body or not eating enough,
00:45 not getting enough exercise throughout the day, not drinking enough water, having
00:51 too much caffeine or drinking alcohol in the evening, and also high stress levels.
00:59 So what can be done to improve your sleep quality?
01:04 Cognitive behavioural therapy or CBT is a type of talking therapy which
01:09 can help you identify negative or unhelpful thinking patterns and
01:14 replace them with positive ones.
01:16 Paying attention to your thoughts and understanding how they make you
01:20 feel can enable you to recognise the source of your stress and make small
01:24 changes to help you feel better.
01:26 You can practice CBT either with a therapist.
01:29 Or using self help books.
01:31 Keeping up a good daily routine is also important to prepare your
01:35 body for a good night's sleep.
01:38 Try to exercise during the day is this can relieve anxiety and
01:41 stress leading to better sleep.
01:44 Avoid late night meals and alcohol or caffeine in the evening and try adopting
01:50 a pre-bedtime ritual like reading a book or having a hot bath or shower.
01:55 These routines should relax your mind and contribute to a good night's sleep.
02:00 If it's not clear what's causing your tiredness, you should speak
02:04 to your GP as there are other less common medical conditions
02:07 that can cause poor sleep quality.
02:10 Whatever's on your mind, we can help.
Is it normal to be anxious about COVID-19?
We understand that you might feel anxious during the current pandemic. In this video we provide information and advice on how to cope with these feelings of anxiety.
00:00:09
Anxiety is an emotion that we will
all have experienced at some point.
00:00:13
It's something that we feel when
we perceive to be under threat, if
00:00:16
we're afraid or if we're worried.
00:00:18
Anxiety is usually future
centered and related to things
00:00:21
that have not yet occurred.
00:00:24
When we feel anxious, we might
notice feeling tense in our bodies.
00:00:28
We might notice our heart rate increase.
00:00:31
We might notice butterfly type sensations
in our stomach, and we might find that
00:00:36
we're preoccupied with worrying thoughts.
00:00:42
At the moment, we are facing a huge
amount of change, uncertainty and
00:00:46
adjustment, and many people will
be feeling anxious as a result.
00:00:51
You might find some of the following
tips helpful for managing these feelings.
00:00:56
First of all, go back to basics.
00:00:58
Diet, sleep, and exercise are
all really important for both our
00:01:03
physical and our mental health.
00:01:05
Focusing on the positives
and what's going well.
00:01:07
Whilst this is a really challenging
time, training ourselves to find
00:01:11
the silver linings can help boost
feelings of positivity and gratitude.
00:01:16
Think of the things that you may
have gained from this situation.
00:01:20
For example, you might find that
without having to commute to work,
00:01:24
you have some more time back and
you're able to do things that maybe
00:01:27
you didn't have time to do before.
00:01:29
You might find that you have more
time available to spend with your
00:01:33
partner, your children, or your pets.
00:01:36
You might find that you're connecting
more with friends and family
00:01:39
virtually because of social distancing.
00:01:43
Keeping connected with others.
00:01:45
We're social creatures, so it's
really important that we maintain our
00:01:49
social connections and relationships.
00:01:51
Technology has made it easier than
ever before to keep in touch with
00:01:55
friends and family over this time and
to be creative over how we do this.
00:02:04
In addition to what's going on in our
own worlds at the moment, we may also
00:02:08
feel anxious about how others are coping.
00:02:11
We might have loved ones who are
high risk or unwell or when they're
00:02:15
maybe worried about how our teams and
colleagues are managing at the moment.
00:02:19
By having regular and ongoing
conversations with the people in
00:02:22
our lives, we can check in on how
they're feeling and coping, share our own
00:02:26
experiences and support each other.
00:02:29
Talking to others can help us tap into
other perspectives and different ways
00:02:34
of thinking that can be helpful for us.
00:02:38
It might be helpful to have
conversations centered around
00:02:40
what people are doing to keep well
and sharing this with each other.
Is it normal to be uncertain during lockdown?
We understand that the current pandemic may be impacting on peoples mental wellbeing and creating feelings of uncertainty. This video provides information and advice if you are experiencing these feelings.
00:08 One factor I find particularly relevant to the current situation
00:12 is the whole concept of uncertainty.
00:15 There is a lot of uncertainty about, we don't know when the
00:18 current lock-down is going to end.
00:21 We don't know what that's going to look like.
00:23 We also don't know what the post Covid-19 world is going to look like.
00:28 Now we know from traditional research and psychology and psychiatry that
00:33 a prolonged period of exposure to uncertainty can be linked to
00:37 symptoms of learned helplessness.
00:41 Now we know that learned helplessness, in turn, is
00:44 associated with impaired cognition.
00:48 It has a negative impact upon motivation, and if it can have
00:52 a negative impact upon that.
00:58 I have been asked about the impact, the changes in our routines as result of the
01:03 lock-down is having upon our mental health.
01:06 I think there's really three areas to look at.
01:10 First of all, it's the case that the changes in our routines is
01:15 really associated with another element of unpredictability that
01:19 has been introduced in our lives.
01:22 Predictability and uncertainty as we've previously established are
01:26 really bad news for mental health.
01:30 Second, is the case that people with certain conditions such as autism spectrum
01:35 disorders are particularly sensitive to any changes in their routines.
01:40 And therefore, for individuals that have such pre-existing mental
01:45 health conditions, the effects of the lock-down can be extremely
01:49 distressing and stressful.
01:52 Third, is the case that as part of the change in our routines, many
01:57 of us are now working from home.
02:00 For people who are usually not in the habit of working from home, this
02:05 makes it particularly difficult to establish the clear boundaries between
02:09 professional life and private life.
02:12 And therefore, this may mean that people are not able to switch off
02:16 from work as easily as they would ordinarily have been able to do so,
02:20 which again, may be associated with negative impacts on one's mental health.
02:29 First, I would recommend that we all make efforts to maintain good social
02:33 contacts, and perhaps this is a good opportunity to reestablish contact
02:37 with old friends and acquaintances.
02:40 Second, I would always recommend the importance of maintaining
02:45 a regular exercise regime.
02:47 It is well established that exercise can have a beneficial
02:51 impact upon one's mental health.
02:55 Third, despite the fact that most of us are now at home, I think it's
02:59 really important that we have a strict routine that introduces an element of
03:05 predictability, but it also allows to make a clear demarcation between weekdays and
03:12 weekends and work time and private time.
03:17 Fourth, it is my opinion that perhaps we can offset some of those feelings of
03:24 learned helplessness by exploiting some of the opportunities the lock-down offers us.
03:29 Perhaps this is a really good opportunity to pick up some of those
03:33 interests that we always wanted to do, but never had the time for.
03:42 For those, I would strongly recommend that it's so important that you maintain
03:46 regular contact with your doctor or clinical teams and there are a lot
03:52 of services out there offering remote assessments and remote treatments.
04:00 It's therefore really important not to stall or delay your treatment
04:04 because of the current circumstances.
04:07 Equally for people who feel that their mental health is deteriorating
04:12 during the lock-down, I do think it's important as always, to seek help
04:17 as quick as possible and to engage in treatment as early as possible.
00:12 is the whole concept of uncertainty.
00:15 There is a lot of uncertainty about, we don't know when the
00:18 current lock-down is going to end.
00:21 We don't know what that's going to look like.
00:23 We also don't know what the post Covid-19 world is going to look like.
00:28 Now we know from traditional research and psychology and psychiatry that
00:33 a prolonged period of exposure to uncertainty can be linked to
00:37 symptoms of learned helplessness.
00:41 Now we know that learned helplessness, in turn, is
00:44 associated with impaired cognition.
00:48 It has a negative impact upon motivation, and if it can have
00:52 a negative impact upon that.
00:58 I have been asked about the impact, the changes in our routines as result of the
01:03 lock-down is having upon our mental health.
01:06 I think there's really three areas to look at.
01:10 First of all, it's the case that the changes in our routines is
01:15 really associated with another element of unpredictability that
01:19 has been introduced in our lives.
01:22 Predictability and uncertainty as we've previously established are
01:26 really bad news for mental health.
01:30 Second, is the case that people with certain conditions such as autism spectrum
01:35 disorders are particularly sensitive to any changes in their routines.
01:40 And therefore, for individuals that have such pre-existing mental
01:45 health conditions, the effects of the lock-down can be extremely
01:49 distressing and stressful.
01:52 Third, is the case that as part of the change in our routines, many
01:57 of us are now working from home.
02:00 For people who are usually not in the habit of working from home, this
02:05 makes it particularly difficult to establish the clear boundaries between
02:09 professional life and private life.
02:12 And therefore, this may mean that people are not able to switch off
02:16 from work as easily as they would ordinarily have been able to do so,
02:20 which again, may be associated with negative impacts on one's mental health.
02:29 First, I would recommend that we all make efforts to maintain good social
02:33 contacts, and perhaps this is a good opportunity to reestablish contact
02:37 with old friends and acquaintances.
02:40 Second, I would always recommend the importance of maintaining
02:45 a regular exercise regime.
02:47 It is well established that exercise can have a beneficial
02:51 impact upon one's mental health.
02:55 Third, despite the fact that most of us are now at home, I think it's
02:59 really important that we have a strict routine that introduces an element of
03:05 predictability, but it also allows to make a clear demarcation between weekdays and
03:12 weekends and work time and private time.
03:17 Fourth, it is my opinion that perhaps we can offset some of those feelings of
03:24 learned helplessness by exploiting some of the opportunities the lock-down offers us.
03:29 Perhaps this is a really good opportunity to pick up some of those
03:33 interests that we always wanted to do, but never had the time for.
03:42 For those, I would strongly recommend that it's so important that you maintain
03:46 regular contact with your doctor or clinical teams and there are a lot
03:52 of services out there offering remote assessments and remote treatments.
04:00 It's therefore really important not to stall or delay your treatment
04:04 because of the current circumstances.
04:07 Equally for people who feel that their mental health is deteriorating
04:12 during the lock-down, I do think it's important as always, to seek help
04:17 as quick as possible and to engage in treatment as early as possible.
Is it normal for my exercise to impact on my mental health?
Our associate clinical director gives information and advice around the importance of exercise on your mental health during the current pandemic.
00:00:08
We should be doing 150
minutes of moderate exercise.
00:00:11
So that's things like swimming
or a brisk walk, or 75 minutes
00:00:16
of vigorous exercise per week.
00:00:18
And these are things like jogging,
cycling, or playing tennis.
00:00:24
Importantly, we should be
reducing our sedentary behavior.
00:00:28
So that's the amount of time that we
are spending sitting down, lying down,
00:00:32
and effectively not moving in the day.
00:00:35
We should be aiming towards 30
minutes a day of moving around.
00:00:39
If you can do more than that, then great.
00:00:45
exercise can also give you a sense of
achievement through learning
00:00:48
a new skill or a new technique or a new
dance routine, but its thought to be
00:00:52
through a combination of your hormones
and the physiological adaptation.
00:00:57
So that's the way that your body
changes and adapts with training and
00:01:00
regular exercise to make you more
resilient to stress, and also increase
00:01:06
the release of your happy hormones.
00:01:07
So these are the endorphins in your brain.
00:01:10
Another emerging factor that's now
being accepted as quite an important
00:01:15
factor in developing the stress
and anxiety symptoms is sleep.
00:01:20
That's through the lack of it,
00:01:21
or poor quality sleep and exercise
can help improve your sleep and
00:01:27
in this way, help you manage your
symptoms of anxiety and stress.
00:01:37
Things that you can do in the
house to exercise are
00:01:41
usual everyday chores such as hoovering.
00:01:44
Using your stairs to go up and down
more often than you normally would.
00:01:49
Gardening, house chores, but also think
exercises that you can do at home.
00:01:55
And, there are plenty of online
resources at the moment, and videos
00:01:59
that are available are things like
pilates, yoga, Tai Chi, dance, Zumba.
00:02:09
Circuit training, Hiit training
the possibilities are endless
00:02:13
and it may be fun to try something new.
00:02:15
Try taking regular breaks
every 30 to 60 minutes just
00:02:19
for a stretch or a quick stand.
00:02:22
You can reconfigure your desk to make it
into a standing desk, take phone calls
00:02:27
while standing up or walking around and
consider things like walking meetings.
00:02:33,
And make use of your lunch breaks,
especially at the moment if you're
00:02:36,
not commuting, or early in the day,
then to go out for a walk or a run
00:02:42
in order to keep yourself active.
10 tips on being kind to yourself
Being kind to others may come naturally but being kind to ourselves not so much. Watch Dr Naveen Puri give his top 10 tips on how you can be kind to yourself.
00:00:00
(gentle music)
00:00:07
- Talk to yourself like you would
00:00:08
somebody you really care about.
00:00:11
Similarly, turn that to look into yourself
00:00:13
and speak to yourself
00:00:14
in the way you would speak to others.
00:00:17
The practice of gratitude.
00:00:18
We often find that people who are thankful
00:00:20
for things around them are much happier
00:00:23
and have a greater sense
of wellbeing overall.
00:00:25
Simply on waking up,
00:00:27
think about two or three things
00:00:28
that you are really grateful that day.
00:00:30
And by practicing gratitude regularly,
00:00:32
you'll often find that in the long term
00:00:34
your wellbeing and sense of
hopefulness increases too.
00:00:39
Performing acts of kindness
during the day to help others.
00:00:42
It may be as simple as
opening a door for somebody,
00:00:44
letting somebody go in front
of you in a supermarket queue,
00:00:47
maybe even giving you
some of your loose change.
00:00:49,860 --> 00:00:51,400
It can be a very small gesture,
00:00:51,400 --> 00:00:53,650
but quite often performing
an act of kindness
00:00:53
can make you feel really good
00:00:55
and boost your own wellbeing.
00:00:56
The daily reflection.
26
00:00:58
Every day, try and make
some time for yourself.
00:01:00
By taking some time to reflect,
00:01:01
we often find that people
are able to process
00:01:04
what is going on around them much better
00:01:06
and the longterm.
00:01:07
This can lead to a greater
sense of wellbeing and calm.
00:01:10
To consider your self-care
routines and rituals.
00:01:12
These will include simple things
00:01:14
like having breakfast every morning,
00:01:15
carving out time in
your day to have lunch,
00:01:18
but also more global things
00:01:19
such as making sure you eat
a healthy and balanced diet,
00:01:22
making sure you make regular
time for physical activity
00:01:25
and also making time for things you enjoy.
00:01:28
Kindness to yourself
00:01:30
also comes with a sense
of responsibility too.
00:01:32
Some people will often think
00:01:33
it's been a really busy
and hard day at work
00:01:35
and so I'm gonna have an
extra drink of alcohol
00:01:38
or an extra few squares
00:01:39
of the chocolate bar to treat myself.
00:01:42
And while the occasional treats
00:01:43
and rewards can be uplifting,
00:01:46
remember overall regularly overindulgent
00:01:49
can actually sabotage all
the efforts you have made
00:01:52
to look after yourself.
00:01:53
And so remember with self-compassion
00:01:55
also comes self-respect
and also self-control.
00:01:59
Consider making time for activities
00:02:01
that are in line with
what really interests you.
00:02:03
If you have a creative streak,
00:02:04
make time for your creative outlet.
00:02:07
If you have a need to be outdoors
00:02:09
and take part in physical
activities such as sports,
00:02:11
make time for these too.
00:02:13
Consider investing some time
00:02:14
in mindfulness as a practice
00:02:16
to bring about overall calm and wellbeing.
00:02:20
Mindfulness is a way of thinking
00:02:22
and rooting your thinking in
the current or in the present.
00:02:25
You can mindfully eat a meal.
00:02:27
You can mindfully brush your teeth.
00:02:29
You may even mindfully
choose to go for a walk.
00:02:32
And what mindfulness encourages you to do
00:02:34
is focus on the here and now.
00:02:36
I would encourage you to
consider some time with nature.
00:02:39
This may be as simple as
walking through a park,
00:02:42
walking by the river.
00:02:43
We know that being with nature
00:02:45
and particularly being free
of an urban environment
00:02:47
can really help people
focus on their wellbeing.
00:02:51
We are currently in the
throes of a global pandemic.
00:02:53
This is understandably a time
00:02:55
that incurring much anxiety
and stress for many people.
00:02:58
And so what I would encourage you to do,
00:03:00
is think of this also as a time
00:03:02
where there are opportunities
to pause, reflect,
00:03:05
and possibly even reset as well.
00:03:07
(soft music)
Exercising safely
Working out and keeping active has a number of benefits. Doing this safely is key if we want to avoid any muscle or joint injuries. Watch Mike Livesey provide you with some guidance that you can incorporate into your workout routine.
00:00:2
These are the muscles at the front of the
thigh, you could do these in freestanding
00:00:27
if your balance is good enough, if
not hold onto a bar or something.
00:00:31
I'll try to balance to start with.
00:00:33
What we're looking at doing is we're going
to bring our heel up to our bum, bring
00:00:37
your heel in and your knees together.
00:00:40
Try and stand up tall.
00:00:42
We're looking to feel that
stretch through that front thigh.
00:00:45
If you can't try and push the hips
forward until you feel that stretch and
00:00:49
hold for 30 seconds and repeat twice.
00:00:56
With this exercise, you're going to
stride out in front of you, keeping
00:00:58
the front knee straight, keep the foot
flat on the floor, and we're going
00:01:02
to sitting back on that back leg.
00:01:04
So you're going to slowly bend the knee,
sit him back, lean forward at the waist
00:01:08
whilst keeping the back nice and straight.
00:01:11
Tuck the abdominals in just
to engage your core and hold
00:01:14
that position for 30 seconds.
00:01:19,270 --> 00:01:22,120
The purpose of a warm up is
that we prepare mentally and
00:01:22
physically for our chosen activity.
00:01:24
We gradually increase our heart rate
and our blood flow, which enables
00:01:27
more oxygen supply to our muscles
that we're going to perform with.
00:01:31
The warmup activates and primes those
connections between our nerves and
00:01:35
our muscles, which will help improve
our coordination and efficiency
00:01:39
of our movement and our muscles.
00:01:43
Squats are a great way to put the hips and
knees through a good range of movement.
00:01:48
Squatting slowly down and up, trying
to keep the knees in line with the mid
00:01:52
portion of the feet and sitting back.
00:01:55,680 --> 00:01:56,970
They should be done comfortably.
00:01:57
Don't squat any deeper than you
feel comfortable and able to.
00:02:04
Another great exercise that we
could use is a lunge to stride
00:02:08
back, letting the knees bend around
90 degrees and alternating legs.
00:02:19
I think the best tip with this is to
make sure that your stride length is long
00:02:22
enough to make sure that you don't put any
unwanted stress or pressure on the knees.
00:02:27
A great one is a CanCan
kick for our hamstrings.
00:02:34
We want to stand, kick out in front, and
then come back down and kick out again.
00:02:40
Keep repeating.
00:02:41
We're gradually just trying to kick
that little bit further to try and
00:02:44
get the knee a little bit straighter
each time we perform this exercise.
00:02:52
It's a simple one, just nice and easy.
00:02:55
So calf raises and it's a great way to
just start to get the joints in the ankle
00:02:59
moving and getting the muscles going.
00:03:02
Got to remember if we're performing
higher activities like running or speed
00:03:05
walking, that actually our ankle is
going to go a little bit further in
00:03:08
its range than that, and this is where
the next part is really important.
00:03:11
Come down into a press up position and
slowly push the heels away each time.
00:03:19
So you stretching the ankle
through its available range and
00:03:21
stretching out those calf muscles.
00:03:28
We want to slowly reduce the intensity
of the activity that we're performing.
00:03:32
For example, if we're running,
we want to turn that into a
00:03:34
jog and then down into a walk.
00:03:36
Of course if we're jogging
just bring that into a walk.
00:03:39
The purpose of the cool down is
to slowly reduce the heart rate.
00:03:43
We need to do this to help improve
and begin our recovery process.
00:03:48
If you did require any further assistance
with anything more specific, our
00:03:51
direct access services here to help.
OCD and coronavirus
We understand that during the current pandemic may have an effect on people suffering with OCD. We have created this video to help support people who may be suffering with coping strategies and advice.
00:00 (gentle upbeat music)
00:02 [Presenter] What is OCD?
00:04 OCD is an anxiety disorder that consists
00:07 of obsessions and compulsions.
00:10 Someone with OCD may experience
00:12 unwanted repetitive thoughts,
00:14 often accompanied by high levels of anxiety,
00:17 a sense of responsibility and guilt.
00:20 We're continually hearing how easily coronavirus
00:23 is passed from one person to another,
00:25 for someone who already has OCD compulsions
00:28 about avoiding germs, hearing this may be making
00:31 their compulsions worse.
00:34 With usual coping strategies not easily available,
00:37 this could also be making a person with OCD feel worse.
00:42 They may not want to go out
00:43 for daily exercise or to the shops,
00:46 or they may be socially withdrawing themselves from others,
00:50 even in the family home.
00:55 During the coronavirus outbreak,
00:58 OCD compulsions could lead to an increase in personal care,
01:02 such as showering several times a day,
01:06 feelings of loneliness and having to adapt
01:09 to the new normal within the family home,
01:12 concerns that others are not abiding
01:14 to the government guidelines,
01:16 not wanting to leave the house due
01:17 to fear of cross-contamination,
01:20 stress about having to wait for shopping deliveries.
01:25 Here are some coping strategies you could use
01:27 to support people with OCD.
01:30 Communication is key at this difficult time,
01:33 it may be helpful to have regular family meetings
01:36 to discuss how you'll support one another,
01:38 despite restrictions, people may need time to themselves.
01:43 Try and create an area where family members
01:45 can have quiet time, if space doesn't allow,
01:48 discuss how each person wants to be supported
01:51 in having quiet time.
01:53 If you notice these symptoms yourself,
1:56 create individual support plans, ask yourself,
02:00 how can I help myself
02:02 when I'm feeling worried or distressed?
02:05 What positive distractions can help me?
02:09 How can I let my family know that I'm struggling?
02:12 What will help me feel supported?
02:16 Communicating and sharing your thoughts
02:18 with someone you trust will help.
02:20 It may be that they have encountered a similar problem
02:24 and can talk you through how they managed this.
02:27 (gentle upbeat music)
00:02 [Presenter] What is OCD?
00:04 OCD is an anxiety disorder that consists
00:07 of obsessions and compulsions.
00:10 Someone with OCD may experience
00:12 unwanted repetitive thoughts,
00:14 often accompanied by high levels of anxiety,
00:17 a sense of responsibility and guilt.
00:20 We're continually hearing how easily coronavirus
00:23 is passed from one person to another,
00:25 for someone who already has OCD compulsions
00:28 about avoiding germs, hearing this may be making
00:31 their compulsions worse.
00:34 With usual coping strategies not easily available,
00:37 this could also be making a person with OCD feel worse.
00:42 They may not want to go out
00:43 for daily exercise or to the shops,
00:46 or they may be socially withdrawing themselves from others,
00:50 even in the family home.
00:55 During the coronavirus outbreak,
00:58 OCD compulsions could lead to an increase in personal care,
01:02 such as showering several times a day,
01:06 feelings of loneliness and having to adapt
01:09 to the new normal within the family home,
01:12 concerns that others are not abiding
01:14 to the government guidelines,
01:16 not wanting to leave the house due
01:17 to fear of cross-contamination,
01:20 stress about having to wait for shopping deliveries.
01:25 Here are some coping strategies you could use
01:27 to support people with OCD.
01:30 Communication is key at this difficult time,
01:33 it may be helpful to have regular family meetings
01:36 to discuss how you'll support one another,
01:38 despite restrictions, people may need time to themselves.
01:43 Try and create an area where family members
01:45 can have quiet time, if space doesn't allow,
01:48 discuss how each person wants to be supported
01:51 in having quiet time.
01:53 If you notice these symptoms yourself,
1:56 create individual support plans, ask yourself,
02:00 how can I help myself
02:02 when I'm feeling worried or distressed?
02:05 What positive distractions can help me?
02:09 How can I let my family know that I'm struggling?
02:12 What will help me feel supported?
02:16 Communicating and sharing your thoughts
02:18 with someone you trust will help.
02:20 It may be that they have encountered a similar problem
02:24 and can talk you through how they managed this.
02:27 (gentle upbeat music)
Desk stretches
In light of the current situation a number of people are working from home. Watch for some useful stretches you can do at your desk to reduce the risk of any aches and pains.
00:00:08
Hi, I'm Mike Livesey.
00:00:10
A physiotherapist in Bupa health clinics.
00:00:12
Musculoskeletal injuries and
issues can come about from
00:00:15
poor home working environments.
00:00:17
So where do we start?
00:00:18
our seating positions should be
comfortable we should be looking at
00:00:21
the top portion of our screen and
we're looking forward in order to
00:00:25
stop our heads from being forced
forward whilst we're looking down
00:00:28
particulaly when using a laptop.
00:00:30
So where possible, use a laptop stand and
a plugin keyboard in order to reduce this.
00:00:35
As we're coming down, our shoulders should
feel comfortable and relaxed by our sides
00:00:39
with our elbows falling comfortably below
the shoulders, and the most important
00:00:44
thing to remember above all else, is
movement is medicine, the more we can
00:00:48
get up and away from our desks, the more
we can mobilize, move the joints in our
00:00:53
skeletal spine and our necks and make
sure that we reduce the risk of injury.
00:01:07
Take the hand at the side that
you're going to stretch and grab
00:01:10
hold of the base of your chair.
00:01:12
Take the opposite ear down towards the
shoulder and turn at the same time.
00:01:17
You find yourself nodding slowly
forward as if you're looking down
00:01:20
towards your opposite armpit.
00:01:23
At that point, you should be able
to start to feel the stretch in the
00:01:26
base of your neck going down towards
your shoulder blade and hold this
00:01:29
position for 10 to 30 seconds slowly
coming back into the start position,
00:01:35
then repeating two or three times.
00:01:40
Place your arms across your chest,
holding onto your shoulders.
00:01:43
Sit up tall in the front,
third of your chair.
00:01:46
Get your feet and your legs relaxed
and twist over towards one side.
00:01:52
Hold for three to five seconds
and return to the start position.
00:01:57
I'd recommend repeating the same way.
00:01:59
Three to five times before you
repeat to the opposite side.
00:02:07
What we're going to do is you're going
to sit up straight, draw your shoulders
00:02:09
back, looking straight forward.
00:02:11
I want you to imagine drawing your
chin in towards your spine and holding
00:02:16
this position for 10 seconds and relax.
00:02:19
This exercise should start
to engage some of our deepest
00:02:22
stabilizing muscles in our neck,
00:02:23
and start to help improve
your pain, and remember, this
00:02:26
exercise shouldn't be painfull
00:02:30
With this exercise, again, start with
your arms folded across your chest.
00:02:35
We're going to start by flexing through
the spine, so you're going to bring your
00:02:38
chin slowly down towards your chest.
00:02:40
Start to let the shoulders round forward
and the upper back fold forwards.
00:02:45
You should start to feel a slow,
gentle stretch in the mid portion
00:02:50
of your back at that point.
00:02:52
Hold for five seconds and then slowly
start to come up out of that position
00:02:57
keep raising through the spine, lifting
the chest high, and start to elevate the
00:03:02
elbows until you feel the gentle stretch
through the chest and through the stomach.
00:03:06
And again, hold for three to five seconds.
00:03:09
And then come back to the centre.
00:03:11
This is a great exercise to
repeat three to five times whilst
00:03:14
you're in a seated position
00:03:20
it's called a scapular setting
exercise our arms by our sides.
00:03:24
We're going to draw our shoulders
gently back together so you feel
00:03:27
a light stretch through the front
of your chest and you're going to
00:03:30
hold this position for 10 seconds.
00:03:34
If you did require any further assistance
with anything more specific, our
00:03:37
direct access services here to help
OCD and children
If you notice that your child may be suffering with symptoms of OCD during the current pandemic, we have created this video to support with coping strategies and advice
00:00 (upbeat music)
00:01 [Narrator] What is OCD?
00:03 OCD is an anxiety disorder
00:06 that consists of obsessions, and compulsions.
00:09 Someone with OCD may experience
00:11 unwanted repetitive thoughts,
00:13 often accompanied by high levels of anxiety,
00:16 a sense of responsibility and guilt.
00:19 If you notice that your child is suffering with OCD,
00:23 here are some coping strategies that might help.
00:26 Having a traffic light system
00:28 enables your child to share a color,
00:31 picture that represents an emotion
00:34 without necessarily having
00:35 to speak about how they're feeling.
00:38 The worry jar, enables the child to visually see
00:41 the once the worry has been addressed.
00:44 It doesn't need to be worry any longer.
00:47 A brave jar, allowing your child
00:50 to focus on a positive thing they have achieved that day.
00:54 This will help promote increased confidence and self esteem.
00:58 keeping a diary of what they were doing
01:00 when they began feeling anxious,
01:02 helps to identify what triggers these feelings.
01:05 Also teaching them
01:06 situations in the future.
01:10 Using ice, having your child
01:12 hold a couple of ice cubes in their hands,
01:15 helps the mind focus on the sensation of coldness,
01:18 rather than any distressing thoughts or feelings.
01:21 Grounding techniques are a coping strategy,
01:25 which help you feel reconnected with reality.
01:28 The following can help young people to feel back
01:31 in control of their emotions.
01:33 Tell yourself you're safe.
01:35 And that these feelings will pass.
01:38 Acknowledge five things you can see.
01:41 Acknowledge four things you can touch.
01:45 Acknowledge three things you can hear.
01:48 Acknowledge two things you can smell.
01:51 If you don't have the right things around you
01:53 to complete the steps just mentioned
01:56 and ask yourself questions
01:57 such as where in the world is cold?
02:00 (upbeat music)
00:01 [Narrator] What is OCD?
00:03 OCD is an anxiety disorder
00:06 that consists of obsessions, and compulsions.
00:09 Someone with OCD may experience
00:11 unwanted repetitive thoughts,
00:13 often accompanied by high levels of anxiety,
00:16 a sense of responsibility and guilt.
00:19 If you notice that your child is suffering with OCD,
00:23 here are some coping strategies that might help.
00:26 Having a traffic light system
00:28 enables your child to share a color,
00:31 picture that represents an emotion
00:34 without necessarily having
00:35 to speak about how they're feeling.
00:38 The worry jar, enables the child to visually see
00:41 the once the worry has been addressed.
00:44 It doesn't need to be worry any longer.
00:47 A brave jar, allowing your child
00:50 to focus on a positive thing they have achieved that day.
00:54 This will help promote increased confidence and self esteem.
00:58 keeping a diary of what they were doing
01:00 when they began feeling anxious,
01:02 helps to identify what triggers these feelings.
01:05 Also teaching them
01:06 situations in the future.
01:10 Using ice, having your child
01:12 hold a couple of ice cubes in their hands,
01:15 helps the mind focus on the sensation of coldness,
01:18 rather than any distressing thoughts or feelings.
01:21 Grounding techniques are a coping strategy,
01:25 which help you feel reconnected with reality.
01:28 The following can help young people to feel back
01:31 in control of their emotions.
01:33 Tell yourself you're safe.
01:35 And that these feelings will pass.
01:38 Acknowledge five things you can see.
01:41 Acknowledge four things you can touch.
01:45 Acknowledge three things you can hear.
01:48 Acknowledge two things you can smell.
01:51 If you don't have the right things around you
01:53 to complete the steps just mentioned
01:56 and ask yourself questions
01:57 such as where in the world is cold?
02:00 (upbeat music)
For children: create your own comfort kit
We understand that if you're a parent then your children may be feeling anxious, worried and upset about the current situation with coronavirus. To help, we’ve created an animation for you to watch with your child.
Aimed at children under the age of seven, it introduces the idea of making their own ‘comfort kit’ that they can turn to whenever they feel upset.
00:20 I'm scared.
00:21 I feel sad.
00:23 I feel bad.
00:25 Hey!
00:26 Are you okay?
00:27 You seem sad.
00:29 Shall we make a
00:29 comfort kit together?
00:31 What's a comfort kit?
00:33 A comfort kit is a collection
00:35 of your favourite things
00:37 that comfort you when you feel
00:38 sad, worried, angry or upset.
00:41 You will need a box or a bag
00:43 to put your favourite things in.
00:45 (gasp)
00:45 I know just the thing!
00:47 (trumpets)
00:50 But I don't know what
00:51 to put in it.
00:52 Try using things that are fun
00:54 to look at
00:55 feel, smell or listen to.
00:58 I like my jungle
00:59 colouring-in book.
01:01 Great!
01:01 Let's put that in your
01:02 comfort kit.
01:03 Along with some
01:04 colouring pencils too!
01:06 I want to put a picture of
01:07 my family and friends in there
01:09 as well.
01:09 Good idea!
01:11 And remember,
01:11 you can always ask them
01:13 for help,
01:13 about anything that's making you
01:15 feel sad or bad.
01:17 I like looking at the
01:18 colours and patterns of my
01:19 kaleidoscope.
01:20 Woah!
01:23 Me too!
01:24 You're getting the hang
01:25 of this now.
01:26 What else do you want
01:27 to put in your
01:27 comfort kit?
01:29 My cuddly toy is
01:30 really soft.
01:32 Awh! I like this one.
01:34 Everyone should have a
01:35 Unicorn to cuddle.
01:37 I like the way
01:37 these flowers smell.
01:38 (sniffs)
01:41 What else should I put in
01:42 my comfort kit?
01:44 What sounds do you
01:44 like the best?
01:46 I know!
01:47 (party horn sounds)
01:49 (laughter)
01:51 Anything else you'd like
01:52 to put in?
01:53 Oh yes, I almost forgot.
01:57 (blows bubbles)
01:59 I love bubbles!
02:01 (pop)
02:02 I feel a bit better now!
02:04 I'm going to do some
02:04 colouring-in.
02:06 Awesome!
02:09 What will you put in your
02:10 comfort kit?
02:12 Here are some more ideas.
00:21 I feel sad.
00:23 I feel bad.
00:25 Hey!
00:26 Are you okay?
00:27 You seem sad.
00:29 Shall we make a
00:29 comfort kit together?
00:31 What's a comfort kit?
00:33 A comfort kit is a collection
00:35 of your favourite things
00:37 that comfort you when you feel
00:38 sad, worried, angry or upset.
00:41 You will need a box or a bag
00:43 to put your favourite things in.
00:45 (gasp)
00:45 I know just the thing!
00:47 (trumpets)
00:50 But I don't know what
00:51 to put in it.
00:52 Try using things that are fun
00:54 to look at
00:55 feel, smell or listen to.
00:58 I like my jungle
00:59 colouring-in book.
01:01 Great!
01:01 Let's put that in your
01:02 comfort kit.
01:03 Along with some
01:04 colouring pencils too!
01:06 I want to put a picture of
01:07 my family and friends in there
01:09 as well.
01:09 Good idea!
01:11 And remember,
01:11 you can always ask them
01:13 for help,
01:13 about anything that's making you
01:15 feel sad or bad.
01:17 I like looking at the
01:18 colours and patterns of my
01:19 kaleidoscope.
01:20 Woah!
01:23 Me too!
01:24 You're getting the hang
01:25 of this now.
01:26 What else do you want
01:27 to put in your
01:27 comfort kit?
01:29 My cuddly toy is
01:30 really soft.
01:32 Awh! I like this one.
01:34 Everyone should have a
01:35 Unicorn to cuddle.
01:37 I like the way
01:37 these flowers smell.
01:38 (sniffs)
01:41 What else should I put in
01:42 my comfort kit?
01:44 What sounds do you
01:44 like the best?
01:46 I know!
01:47 (party horn sounds)
01:49 (laughter)
01:51 Anything else you'd like
01:52 to put in?
01:53 Oh yes, I almost forgot.
01:57 (blows bubbles)
01:59 I love bubbles!
02:01 (pop)
02:02 I feel a bit better now!
02:04 I'm going to do some
02:04 colouring-in.
02:06 Awesome!
02:09 What will you put in your
02:10 comfort kit?
02:12 Here are some more ideas.
Supporting children and their mental health during pandemic
We asked some of our GPs to share tips and advice on how to support children with their mental health during the current pandemic.
Vulnerability and coronavirus
We asked one of our medical experts to provide information around who are classed as vulnerable people in the current pandemic and what this means.
00:09 Those who are 70 years of age and above, those with a chronic health
00:14 condition, that is to say a long-term health condition, and women who are pregnant.
00:19 Chronic heart failure, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, neurological conditions
00:26 such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, Parkinson's disease and finally
00:32 being overweight. We recognise that individuals with a BMI of 40 or above
00:35 are also considered vulnerable.
00:41 The first is anybody who has had a solid organ transplant. The second would be anybody
00:47 with a chronic and severe lung condition. These include all people with cystic
00:51 fibrosis, people with severe asthma and those that have severe COPD.
00:56 These would also be women who are pregnant, who have a congenital or an acquired heart
01:02 condition, that is to say a heart condition which they were born with, or a
01:06 heart condition which they have acquired during the course of their pregnancy.
01:09 This will also include individuals who have rare conditions that weaken their
01:14 immune system or inbuilt errors of metabolism that make them more
01:17 susceptible to infection. This would also include individuals who have medication
01:23 which weakens their immune system, to the extent that they are more vulnerable to
01:27 background infections. These are individuals who have active cancer at
01:31 this time and are having chemotherapy, individuals with lung cancer who are
01:35 having radical radiotherapy, anybody with a bone marrow or a blood cancer,
01:41 individuals who have had a bone marrow or stem cell transplant in the last six
01:45 months, or those individuals who have had a bone marrow or stem cell
01:49 transplant but are still on immunosuppressive therapy and finally
01:53 those individuals are on immunotherapy, continuing antibody treatment or any
01:59 kind of radical cancer therapy which weakens or suppresses the immune system.
02:07 It's because we recognise that for them the disease course with Covid-19
02:11 infection could be more severe than that experienced by the general population.
02:17 We also unfortunately recognise that those who are extremely vulnerable are at
02:21 higher risk of requiring hospitalisation due to the seriousness of the disease
02:25 they can experience with Covid-19 infection.
00:14 condition, that is to say a long-term health condition, and women who are pregnant.
00:19 Chronic heart failure, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, neurological conditions
00:26 such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, Parkinson's disease and finally
00:32 being overweight. We recognise that individuals with a BMI of 40 or above
00:35 are also considered vulnerable.
00:41 The first is anybody who has had a solid organ transplant. The second would be anybody
00:47 with a chronic and severe lung condition. These include all people with cystic
00:51 fibrosis, people with severe asthma and those that have severe COPD.
00:56 These would also be women who are pregnant, who have a congenital or an acquired heart
01:02 condition, that is to say a heart condition which they were born with, or a
01:06 heart condition which they have acquired during the course of their pregnancy.
01:09 This will also include individuals who have rare conditions that weaken their
01:14 immune system or inbuilt errors of metabolism that make them more
01:17 susceptible to infection. This would also include individuals who have medication
01:23 which weakens their immune system, to the extent that they are more vulnerable to
01:27 background infections. These are individuals who have active cancer at
01:31 this time and are having chemotherapy, individuals with lung cancer who are
01:35 having radical radiotherapy, anybody with a bone marrow or a blood cancer,
01:41 individuals who have had a bone marrow or stem cell transplant in the last six
01:45 months, or those individuals who have had a bone marrow or stem cell
01:49 transplant but are still on immunosuppressive therapy and finally
01:53 those individuals are on immunotherapy, continuing antibody treatment or any
01:59 kind of radical cancer therapy which weakens or suppresses the immune system.
02:07 It's because we recognise that for them the disease course with Covid-19
02:11 infection could be more severe than that experienced by the general population.
02:17 We also unfortunately recognise that those who are extremely vulnerable are at
02:21 higher risk of requiring hospitalisation due to the seriousness of the disease
02:25 they can experience with Covid-19 infection.
Supporting children during pandemic
We asked some of our GPs to share tips and advice on how to navigate through the current uncertain situation with children.
Asthma and coronavirus
We asked one of our medical experts to provide information on what it means if you have asthma during the current pandemic.
00:10 We know that asthma is a chronic or a long-term health condition, so if you
00:15 have asthma of any severity, this does make you vulnerable to Covid-19.
00:20 However we also recognise that if you have severe asthma, this places you in
00:24 the extremely vulnerable category.
00:26 Well broadly-speaking this is asthma that has
00:29 required hospitalisation, usually in the last 6 to 12 months. This is the kind of
00:34 asthma where you may have required hospitalisation for oxygen therapy, or be
00:38 given oral steroids as treatment for your asthma flare-up.
00:42 This could also be asthma
00:44 where you've been hospitalised for medication via a nebuliser, and
00:48 finally this can also be the kind of asthma where you have been hospitalised
00:51 because you required medication intravenously or through a drip.
00:55 If your asthma has not required hospitalisation in the last 12 months, you can consider
01:02 this not to be severe asthma and therefore this places you in the
01:05 vulnerable rather than the very vulnerable, or highly vulnerable category.
00:15 have asthma of any severity, this does make you vulnerable to Covid-19.
00:20 However we also recognise that if you have severe asthma, this places you in
00:24 the extremely vulnerable category.
00:26 Well broadly-speaking this is asthma that has
00:29 required hospitalisation, usually in the last 6 to 12 months. This is the kind of
00:34 asthma where you may have required hospitalisation for oxygen therapy, or be
00:38 given oral steroids as treatment for your asthma flare-up.
00:42 This could also be asthma
00:44 where you've been hospitalised for medication via a nebuliser, and
00:48 finally this can also be the kind of asthma where you have been hospitalised
00:51 because you required medication intravenously or through a drip.
00:55 If your asthma has not required hospitalisation in the last 12 months, you can consider
01:02 this not to be severe asthma and therefore this places you in the
01:05 vulnerable rather than the very vulnerable, or highly vulnerable category.
Coronavirus terms explained
As we all do our best to learn to adapt to this new normal, it can sometimes feel as though we have a whole new language to learn too. Much of the terminology associated with coronavirus is new to us.
This short animated video helps you understand common words or phrases associated with the disease, and the pandemic, so that you can protect yourselves and others.
00:01 - [Narrator] During this current period,
00:02 many of the words and phrases associated
00:05 with coronavirus are new to us.
00:07 We want to ensure everyone is fully informed
00:09 so you can protect yourselves and others.
00:13 Coronaviruses are a family of viruses
00:15 that have been around for some time.
00:17 The name comes from their characteristic shape,
00:19 a circle surrounded by a crown.
00:21 Corona.
00:22 Coronaviruses cause symptoms in your respiratory system,
00:25 which is responsible for your breathing.
00:27 Some cause mild symptoms, like the common cold,
00:30 while others are responsible for severe diseases
00:33 like SARS, MERS,
00:34 and the newly discovered SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus,
00:37 which is what is making people ill at the moment.
00:40 A high temperature, and/or a new and continuous cough,
00:43 are the two main symptoms. (man coughing)
00:44 A new and continuous cough means coughing a lot
00:47 for more than an hour
00:48 or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours.
00:52 We have recently experienced an outbreak,
00:54 which means that more people have suddenly become ill
00:56 with the disease than would normally be expected.
00:59 This has also led to a pandemic,
01:01 which is when a disease not only spreads
01:03 between large numbers of people and regions,
01:05 but throughout the world too.
01:08 To protect each other and avoid spreading the disease,
01:10 we all need to practice social distancing.
01:13 It means avoiding face-to-face contact,
01:15 social gatherings, public transport,
01:17 any non-essential activities
01:19 and working from home wherever possible.
01:21 It also means staying at least two meters,
01:24 six feet, apart from others
01:25 if you do go out for essential activities.
01:28 People who are unwell or live with someone
01:30 who has symptoms, must stay at home and self-isolate.
01:34 People who have recently been exposed
01:35 to the coronavirus will need
01:37 to quarantine themselves,
01:38 even if you don't have any symptoms
01:40 and are feeling well.
01:41 This is to stop the virus spreading
01:43 if you have it without realising
01:45 because it is possible to have the virus
01:47 and not know during the incubation period.
01:49 The time between catching the virus
01:51 and when you first begin to have symptoms,
01:53 which in this case, is between one to 14 days
01:56 but is most commonly around five days.
01:59 Lockdown describes shutting down
02:01 all non-essential activities,
02:03 including closing down schools,
02:04 businesses, restaurants, gyms and cinemas,
02:07 instructing people to only leave home
02:09 for essentials, such as food, medicine,
02:12 exercise or to care for a vulnerable person,
02:15 or for work, only if you are a key worker.
02:19 Health and social care workers
02:20 are protecting themselves from catching
02:22 or spreading the infection
02:24 by using personal protective equipment or PPE.
02:27 PPE includes surgical masks,
02:29 gloves, goggles, face shields, gowns,
02:32 aprons and respirators.
02:35 Patients in hospital who develop severe symptoms
02:38 may need help to breathe.
02:40 A ventilator is a machine
02:41 that pumps air in and out of your lungs,
02:43 allowing the lungs the time they need to recover.
02:48 There are lots of clinical trials under way
02:50 to develop a vaccine against coronavirus,
02:53 a medicine, usually provided via injection
02:55 or nasal spray which teaches your immune system
02:58 to recognize and fight off bacteria and viruses
03:01 in the future.
03:02 Please visit our coronavirus hub at bupa.co.uk.
03:06 Please stay home and stay safe.
00:02 many of the words and phrases associated
00:05 with coronavirus are new to us.
00:07 We want to ensure everyone is fully informed
00:09 so you can protect yourselves and others.
00:13 Coronaviruses are a family of viruses
00:15 that have been around for some time.
00:17 The name comes from their characteristic shape,
00:19 a circle surrounded by a crown.
00:21 Corona.
00:22 Coronaviruses cause symptoms in your respiratory system,
00:25 which is responsible for your breathing.
00:27 Some cause mild symptoms, like the common cold,
00:30 while others are responsible for severe diseases
00:33 like SARS, MERS,
00:34 and the newly discovered SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus,
00:37 which is what is making people ill at the moment.
00:40 A high temperature, and/or a new and continuous cough,
00:43 are the two main symptoms. (man coughing)
00:44 A new and continuous cough means coughing a lot
00:47 for more than an hour
00:48 or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours.
00:52 We have recently experienced an outbreak,
00:54 which means that more people have suddenly become ill
00:56 with the disease than would normally be expected.
00:59 This has also led to a pandemic,
01:01 which is when a disease not only spreads
01:03 between large numbers of people and regions,
01:05 but throughout the world too.
01:08 To protect each other and avoid spreading the disease,
01:10 we all need to practice social distancing.
01:13 It means avoiding face-to-face contact,
01:15 social gatherings, public transport,
01:17 any non-essential activities
01:19 and working from home wherever possible.
01:21 It also means staying at least two meters,
01:24 six feet, apart from others
01:25 if you do go out for essential activities.
01:28 People who are unwell or live with someone
01:30 who has symptoms, must stay at home and self-isolate.
01:34 People who have recently been exposed
01:35 to the coronavirus will need
01:37 to quarantine themselves,
01:38 even if you don't have any symptoms
01:40 and are feeling well.
01:41 This is to stop the virus spreading
01:43 if you have it without realising
01:45 because it is possible to have the virus
01:47 and not know during the incubation period.
01:49 The time between catching the virus
01:51 and when you first begin to have symptoms,
01:53 which in this case, is between one to 14 days
01:56 but is most commonly around five days.
01:59 Lockdown describes shutting down
02:01 all non-essential activities,
02:03 including closing down schools,
02:04 businesses, restaurants, gyms and cinemas,
02:07 instructing people to only leave home
02:09 for essentials, such as food, medicine,
02:12 exercise or to care for a vulnerable person,
02:15 or for work, only if you are a key worker.
02:19 Health and social care workers
02:20 are protecting themselves from catching
02:22 or spreading the infection
02:24 by using personal protective equipment or PPE.
02:27 PPE includes surgical masks,
02:29 gloves, goggles, face shields, gowns,
02:32 aprons and respirators.
02:35 Patients in hospital who develop severe symptoms
02:38 may need help to breathe.
02:40 A ventilator is a machine
02:41 that pumps air in and out of your lungs,
02:43 allowing the lungs the time they need to recover.
02:48 There are lots of clinical trials under way
02:50 to develop a vaccine against coronavirus,
02:53 a medicine, usually provided via injection
02:55 or nasal spray which teaches your immune system
02:58 to recognize and fight off bacteria and viruses
03:01 in the future.
03:02 Please visit our coronavirus hub at bupa.co.uk.
03:06 Please stay home and stay safe.
The Doctor’s opinion: videos from Dr Luke James
This series of short videos from Dr Luke James, Medical Director - Bupa Global and UK Insurance gives you a front-row seat to helpful advice and information on the latest topics about coronavirus.
Coronavirus Q&A – Part 1
We understand there is a lot of uncertainty around the Coronavirus. We have asked our Medical director Dr Luke James to answer a few of the questions that we are regularly being asked.
00:00 (gentle music)
00:04 We don't know for sure how long the virus
00:06 that causes COVID-19 survives on surfaces,
00:10 but we do know that other types of coronavirus
00:12 can stay on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days.
00:15 And this may depend on the environment,
00:17 for example, the type of surface and the temperature.
00:20 A recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine
00:23 suggested that viral particles survived
00:25 in aerosolised form for up to three hours.
00:29 However, there were limitations for this interpretation,
00:32 as particularly small particles were used.
00:35 In that same study, it was found that viral particle
00:37 could survive for up to three days
00:40 on stainless steel and plastic surfaces.
00:42 Clearly, further studies are required to determine
00:45 the survival of viral particles in clinical
00:48 or environmentally-relevant scenarios.
00:52 Once again, it's worth reinforcing,
00:54 this is part of the reason
00:55 why washing your hands regularly and maintaining
00:57 a high level of personal hygiene is so important.
01:01 So as this is a new virus, there are lots of unknowns.
01:05 What we do know is that the virus enters the body
01:07 through the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose and eyes.
01:11 Hence, why personal hygiene with frequent hand washing,
01:15 catching coughs and sneezes in tissues
01:17 is so important to prevent transmission.
01:21 One of the concerns scientists have is the ability
01:23 for those who are infected, but have no symptoms,
01:26 to unknowingly spread the virus.
01:28 (piano music)
00:04 We don't know for sure how long the virus
00:06 that causes COVID-19 survives on surfaces,
00:10 but we do know that other types of coronavirus
00:12 can stay on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days.
00:15 And this may depend on the environment,
00:17 for example, the type of surface and the temperature.
00:20 A recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine
00:23 suggested that viral particles survived
00:25 in aerosolised form for up to three hours.
00:29 However, there were limitations for this interpretation,
00:32 as particularly small particles were used.
00:35 In that same study, it was found that viral particle
00:37 could survive for up to three days
00:40 on stainless steel and plastic surfaces.
00:42 Clearly, further studies are required to determine
00:45 the survival of viral particles in clinical
00:48 or environmentally-relevant scenarios.
00:52 Once again, it's worth reinforcing,
00:54 this is part of the reason
00:55 why washing your hands regularly and maintaining
00:57 a high level of personal hygiene is so important.
01:01 So as this is a new virus, there are lots of unknowns.
01:05 What we do know is that the virus enters the body
01:07 through the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose and eyes.
01:11 Hence, why personal hygiene with frequent hand washing,
01:15 catching coughs and sneezes in tissues
01:17 is so important to prevent transmission.
01:21 One of the concerns scientists have is the ability
01:23 for those who are infected, but have no symptoms,
01:26 to unknowingly spread the virus.
01:28 (piano music)
Coronavirus: an overview
In this video, Dr Luke provides helpful information and advice on the symptoms of the virus, what to do if you feel unwell and people with underlying health conditions.
00:00 (gentle music)
00:04 - So coronaviruses are a family of viruses
00:06 that range from the common cold,
00:08 to MERS coronavirus, which stands for
00:10 Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus, and SARS,
00:14 which is Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus.
00:18 And SARS-CoV-2 is the name given to this novel coronavirus,
00:23 which emerged in Wuhan in China, towards the end of 2019.
00:29 COVID-19 is the term used to describe the infectious disease
00:32 caused by this newly discovered coronavirus.
00:37 We know that the virus spreads
00:38 from human to human through droplets,
00:40 and enters then through the mucus membranes
00:42 of the nose, the mouth, and the eyes.
00:45 And this is why you will hear so much
00:47 about the personal hygiene advice being reinforced.
00:50 Washing hands frequently, not touching your face,
00:53 and catching coughs and sneezes in tissues.
00:59 The early symptoms of COVID-19
01:01 resemble an upper-respiratory tract infection or flu
01:04 in most cases, with cough,
01:06 potentially a sore throat, and a fever.
01:10 There have, however, been reports
01:12 of people suffering from less common symptoms,
01:14 such as headaches, muscular aching,
01:17 gastro-intestinal problems, as well as
01:19 a loss of sense of taste and smell,
01:22 although no official conformation has yet been given
01:25 for these last few more unusual symptoms.
01:30 Unfortunately, in some people the symptoms become worse,
01:33 with increasing shortness of breath,
01:35 and in some more severe cases this can result in ARDS,
01:38 Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome,
01:41 and this requires support being provided
01:43 via a ventilator, and in hospital.
01:48 It is also being recognized
01:49 that some people don't get any symptoms at all.
01:52 They become infected with the virus,
01:53 but do not become unwell.
01:57 Particularly worrying
01:58 is the severity this infection can have
02:00 on those with underlying illnesses,
02:02 such as cardiac problems, high blood pressure,
02:05 diabetes, and active cancer.
02:08 Evidence is also emerging
02:09 of the role excess weight, obesity, can play
02:13 in the severity of the infection,
02:15 and the outcome from contracting coronavirus.
02:21 It's also really important
02:23 to remember to seek medical advice if you are unwell.
02:25 Not every illness is COVID-19, and there are
02:28 increasing concerns among the medical profession
02:30 at the incorrect and misdiagnosis,
02:33 or late presentation of other serious illnesses,
02:36 due to this focus on COVID-19.
02:41 Presently there are no specific vaccines
02:43 or treatments for COVID-19.
02:45 However there are many ongoing clinical trials
02:47 evaluating potential treatments.
02:51 Fundamentally, this is a new virus, causing a new disease,
02:54 and we are learning a lot about it all the time.
00:04 - So coronaviruses are a family of viruses
00:06 that range from the common cold,
00:08 to MERS coronavirus, which stands for
00:10 Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus, and SARS,
00:14 which is Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus.
00:18 And SARS-CoV-2 is the name given to this novel coronavirus,
00:23 which emerged in Wuhan in China, towards the end of 2019.
00:29 COVID-19 is the term used to describe the infectious disease
00:32 caused by this newly discovered coronavirus.
00:37 We know that the virus spreads
00:38 from human to human through droplets,
00:40 and enters then through the mucus membranes
00:42 of the nose, the mouth, and the eyes.
00:45 And this is why you will hear so much
00:47 about the personal hygiene advice being reinforced.
00:50 Washing hands frequently, not touching your face,
00:53 and catching coughs and sneezes in tissues.
00:59 The early symptoms of COVID-19
01:01 resemble an upper-respiratory tract infection or flu
01:04 in most cases, with cough,
01:06 potentially a sore throat, and a fever.
01:10 There have, however, been reports
01:12 of people suffering from less common symptoms,
01:14 such as headaches, muscular aching,
01:17 gastro-intestinal problems, as well as
01:19 a loss of sense of taste and smell,
01:22 although no official conformation has yet been given
01:25 for these last few more unusual symptoms.
01:30 Unfortunately, in some people the symptoms become worse,
01:33 with increasing shortness of breath,
01:35 and in some more severe cases this can result in ARDS,
01:38 Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome,
01:41 and this requires support being provided
01:43 via a ventilator, and in hospital.
01:48 It is also being recognized
01:49 that some people don't get any symptoms at all.
01:52 They become infected with the virus,
01:53 but do not become unwell.
01:57 Particularly worrying
01:58 is the severity this infection can have
02:00 on those with underlying illnesses,
02:02 such as cardiac problems, high blood pressure,
02:05 diabetes, and active cancer.
02:08 Evidence is also emerging
02:09 of the role excess weight, obesity, can play
02:13 in the severity of the infection,
02:15 and the outcome from contracting coronavirus.
02:21 It's also really important
02:23 to remember to seek medical advice if you are unwell.
02:25 Not every illness is COVID-19, and there are
02:28 increasing concerns among the medical profession
02:30 at the incorrect and misdiagnosis,
02:33 or late presentation of other serious illnesses,
02:36 due to this focus on COVID-19.
02:41 Presently there are no specific vaccines
02:43 or treatments for COVID-19.
02:45 However there are many ongoing clinical trials
02:47 evaluating potential treatments.
02:51 Fundamentally, this is a new virus, causing a new disease,
02:54 and we are learning a lot about it all the time.
Coping with Coronavirus at home
In this video, Amailia Alifrangis - Associate Clinical Director offers some key advice on how you can cope when recovering from coronavirus.
00:07 It's really important that you keep yourself hydrated
00:10 and drink plenty of fluids.
00:12 Avoid alcohol as this can make you more dehydrated.
00:15 When you have a fever, you'll be losing fluids through the skin and
00:19 as a general guide, you can use the colour of your urine to see if you're
00:23 drinking enough and you should be aiming towards the pale straw coloured urine.
00:28 If it's darker than this, then you're not drinking enough.
00:31 You can take paracetamol to help with your aches and your fever.
00:36 Ibuprofen is currently not recommended as there are some concerns over
00:40 its safety with Coronavirus.
00:43 However, if you have been advised or you're currently already taking
00:47 ibuprofen or another form of
00:49 what we call nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory, such as diclofenac
00:52 or voltarol for another condition such as a rheumatological condition.
00:56 Then you can continue taking these, or you may wish to speak
00:59 to your doctor for further advice.
01:07 It's important to call NHS 111 or your GP if your symptoms
01:11 don't get better after seven days.
01:14 Or if you are experiencing breathing problems at any point during your illness,
01:18 and that is you may notice feeling breathless when you're going up the
01:21 stairs or just walking around at home.
01:24 You should also seek medical advice if you develop any unusual symptoms
01:29 such as severe abdominal pain, blood in your wee, or your poo
01:34 chest pains, dizziness, or anything that you think is not quite right
01:39 and not sure whether this may be due to Coronavirus or not.
01:43 You will need to call 999 for an ambulance.
01:46 If you develop any of the following symptoms, you are too breathless
01:50 to speak more than a few words.
01:54 Your breathing is laboured and you're unable to walk around the house.
01:58 If you develop a deep pressure within your chest or any chest pain.
02:02 If you develop a bluish tinge to your lips or if you or someone else in your
02:06 household notices that you are confused
02:15 whether you'd been recovering at home or have recently been discharged
02:18 from hospital, they may take a good two to three weeks to fully recover.
02:23 So listen to your body rest up and gradually reintroduce your activities.
00:10 and drink plenty of fluids.
00:12 Avoid alcohol as this can make you more dehydrated.
00:15 When you have a fever, you'll be losing fluids through the skin and
00:19 as a general guide, you can use the colour of your urine to see if you're
00:23 drinking enough and you should be aiming towards the pale straw coloured urine.
00:28 If it's darker than this, then you're not drinking enough.
00:31 You can take paracetamol to help with your aches and your fever.
00:36 Ibuprofen is currently not recommended as there are some concerns over
00:40 its safety with Coronavirus.
00:43 However, if you have been advised or you're currently already taking
00:47 ibuprofen or another form of
00:49 what we call nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory, such as diclofenac
00:52 or voltarol for another condition such as a rheumatological condition.
00:56 Then you can continue taking these, or you may wish to speak
00:59 to your doctor for further advice.
01:07 It's important to call NHS 111 or your GP if your symptoms
01:11 don't get better after seven days.
01:14 Or if you are experiencing breathing problems at any point during your illness,
01:18 and that is you may notice feeling breathless when you're going up the
01:21 stairs or just walking around at home.
01:24 You should also seek medical advice if you develop any unusual symptoms
01:29 such as severe abdominal pain, blood in your wee, or your poo
01:34 chest pains, dizziness, or anything that you think is not quite right
01:39 and not sure whether this may be due to Coronavirus or not.
01:43 You will need to call 999 for an ambulance.
01:46 If you develop any of the following symptoms, you are too breathless
01:50 to speak more than a few words.
01:54 Your breathing is laboured and you're unable to walk around the house.
01:58 If you develop a deep pressure within your chest or any chest pain.
02:02 If you develop a bluish tinge to your lips or if you or someone else in your
02:06 household notices that you are confused
02:15 whether you'd been recovering at home or have recently been discharged
02:18 from hospital, they may take a good two to three weeks to fully recover.
02:23 So listen to your body rest up and gradually reintroduce your activities.
Coronavirus Q&A – Part 2
Our medical director, Dr Luke James, continues to answer your questions around the Coronavirus including the impact on other health conditions.
00:00 (upbeat music)
00:04 There's still a lot that we don't know
00:05 about the longterm effects of COVID-19.
00:08 Many people with mild symptoms
00:10 seem to fully recover within seven days,
00:13 but the evidence so far does suggest
00:15 that some people with moderable severe cases
00:18 may be affected by issues with their liver function
00:21 after recovering.
00:23 Research is also worried that in some cases people's lungs
00:26 and hearts maybe affected in the longer term,
00:29 especially if they had serious COVID-19 infection
00:32 that is affected these organs
00:34 and they have required intensive care.
00:37 We must also remember in addition to
00:39 the physical health issues,
00:40 it is likely the impact of COVID-19
00:43 on the longer term mental health
00:44 is likely to be significant.
00:47 Only time will reveal the full impact
00:49 on our longer term mental
00:51 and physical health from COVID-19.
00:54 It's important to state that COVID-19,
00:56 is not the only disease, even though it is the focus
00:59 of most medical professionals across the world
01:02 and in everyone's front of mind.
01:04 Part of the response has been to whole routine operations
01:07 across many countries and access to healthcare
01:10 has therefore become more difficult.
01:12 Additionally, people are quite rightly worried
01:14 about attending healthcare facilities
01:17 due to the risk of contracting COVID-19.
01:20 However, let's be clear, other illnesses
01:23 such as heart problems, severe childhood infections
01:25 and cancers have not disappeared into the background.
01:29 We've seen a significant decrease
01:31 in attendance at A and E departments and GP surgeries,
01:34 and an increase in misdiagnosis
01:36 or delayed diagnosis, especially amongst children.
01:41 Cancer referrals have decreased considerably
01:43 and concerns are escalating on the effect
01:45 this will have on survival rates in the future
01:48 from previously treatable cancers.
01:51 It's really important to remember that health services
01:53 in the UK and across the Globe is still open for business,
01:57 especially for those more serious conditions
01:59 that require urgent attention.
02:01 Doctors and healthcare services
02:03 have adapted rapidly to offer virtual consultations,
02:06 and it's vital that we continue to access these services
02:09 and get advice if we have any concerns around health
02:12 or the health of our family members,
02:14 whether COVID-19 related or not.
02:17 (upbeat music)
00:04 There's still a lot that we don't know
00:05 about the longterm effects of COVID-19.
00:08 Many people with mild symptoms
00:10 seem to fully recover within seven days,
00:13 but the evidence so far does suggest
00:15 that some people with moderable severe cases
00:18 may be affected by issues with their liver function
00:21 after recovering.
00:23 Research is also worried that in some cases people's lungs
00:26 and hearts maybe affected in the longer term,
00:29 especially if they had serious COVID-19 infection
00:32 that is affected these organs
00:34 and they have required intensive care.
00:37 We must also remember in addition to
00:39 the physical health issues,
00:40 it is likely the impact of COVID-19
00:43 on the longer term mental health
00:44 is likely to be significant.
00:47 Only time will reveal the full impact
00:49 on our longer term mental
00:51 and physical health from COVID-19.
00:54 It's important to state that COVID-19,
00:56 is not the only disease, even though it is the focus
00:59 of most medical professionals across the world
01:02 and in everyone's front of mind.
01:04 Part of the response has been to whole routine operations
01:07 across many countries and access to healthcare
01:10 has therefore become more difficult.
01:12 Additionally, people are quite rightly worried
01:14 about attending healthcare facilities
01:17 due to the risk of contracting COVID-19.
01:20 However, let's be clear, other illnesses
01:23 such as heart problems, severe childhood infections
01:25 and cancers have not disappeared into the background.
01:29 We've seen a significant decrease
01:31 in attendance at A and E departments and GP surgeries,
01:34 and an increase in misdiagnosis
01:36 or delayed diagnosis, especially amongst children.
01:41 Cancer referrals have decreased considerably
01:43 and concerns are escalating on the effect
01:45 this will have on survival rates in the future
01:48 from previously treatable cancers.
01:51 It's really important to remember that health services
01:53 in the UK and across the Globe is still open for business,
01:57 especially for those more serious conditions
01:59 that require urgent attention.
02:01 Doctors and healthcare services
02:03 have adapted rapidly to offer virtual consultations,
02:06 and it's vital that we continue to access these services
02:09 and get advice if we have any concerns around health
02:12 or the health of our family members,
02:14 whether COVID-19 related or not.
02:17 (upbeat music)
Fact-checking coronavirus information
There is a lot of information circulating around Coronavirus. In this video Dr Luke provides some helpful tips and advice on how you can fact-check and know learn which information is credible and reliable.
00:00 (upbeat music)
00:04 - In situations like this,
00:06 having access to accurate information and advice
00:08 about the coronavirus outbreak is really important.
00:12 But with so much information out there,
00:14 how can we be sure that everything you read
00:16 is factually correct.
00:18 For reliable medical information about the coronavirus,
00:21 it's important to stick to reputable
00:23 medical resources online.
00:25 World Health Organization is of course
00:27 a reputable source of information.
00:29 But remember their advice has to span numerous countries,
00:32 different populations and different health systems.
00:35 On although this is a global pandemic,
00:38 it's important to stick to the advice of the country
00:40 where you are living, which will be most relevant to you.
00:44 It's also very important to remember that scrolling
00:47 endlessly through large volumes of information
00:50 can have a negative impact on the way we feel.
00:53 Things can change really rapidly and the amount
00:55 of new information being delivered
00:57 to us can feel overwhelming.
00:59 So perhaps try and stick to a small number of sources
01:01 fewer information to make it more manageable.
01:04 (upbeat music)
01:06 Fact-checking charities such as full facts can check
01:09 if any claims you read are accurate and up to date.
01:12 Clearly not everything you read is true.
01:14 Don't believe everything you read on social media
01:16 or through your WhatsApp groups,
01:18 as there's lots of false information doing rounds.
01:21 Make sure you check the page where the information
01:23 came from, to see how reliable it seems.
01:27 Make sure you use the trusted resources online
01:30 that I mentioned earlier.
01:32 And if you read something that you're not sure about
01:33 or don't recognize the source, look at the NHS
01:36 or Public Health England websites.
01:39 These are where you can check all the latest
01:41 information and advices.
01:43 So here are four key things you can look out for.
01:47 Firstly, is the information up to date?
01:50 Look out for a published or last review date.
01:53 Secondly, is it clear and easy to understand?
01:56 Thirdly, have experts helped to produce the information?
02:00 it might be a doctor who is thanked for their input
02:02 on the page.
02:04 And finally are the claims in the information backed up?
02:08 Many of the most reputable websites will give details
02:11 of the original sources of the facts.
02:14 So final bit of advice.
02:17 Constantly scrolling through websites
02:18 and social media outlets for the latest news and advice
02:21 can make us feel anxious and worried.
02:23 Perhaps try and limit the amount of time you're
02:25 on social media or news websites and let your brain focus
02:28 on other things apart from the coronavirus.
02:32 Things continue to change rapidly,
02:34 and the speed of new information can feel overwhelming.
02:38 By sticking to a small number of reliable sources
02:40 for your information, it will be more manageable
02:43 and avoid the need to fact check everything you read.
02:46 (upbeat music)
00:04 - In situations like this,
00:06 having access to accurate information and advice
00:08 about the coronavirus outbreak is really important.
00:12 But with so much information out there,
00:14 how can we be sure that everything you read
00:16 is factually correct.
00:18 For reliable medical information about the coronavirus,
00:21 it's important to stick to reputable
00:23 medical resources online.
00:25 World Health Organization is of course
00:27 a reputable source of information.
00:29 But remember their advice has to span numerous countries,
00:32 different populations and different health systems.
00:35 On although this is a global pandemic,
00:38 it's important to stick to the advice of the country
00:40 where you are living, which will be most relevant to you.
00:44 It's also very important to remember that scrolling
00:47 endlessly through large volumes of information
00:50 can have a negative impact on the way we feel.
00:53 Things can change really rapidly and the amount
00:55 of new information being delivered
00:57 to us can feel overwhelming.
00:59 So perhaps try and stick to a small number of sources
01:01 fewer information to make it more manageable.
01:04 (upbeat music)
01:06 Fact-checking charities such as full facts can check
01:09 if any claims you read are accurate and up to date.
01:12 Clearly not everything you read is true.
01:14 Don't believe everything you read on social media
01:16 or through your WhatsApp groups,
01:18 as there's lots of false information doing rounds.
01:21 Make sure you check the page where the information
01:23 came from, to see how reliable it seems.
01:27 Make sure you use the trusted resources online
01:30 that I mentioned earlier.
01:32 And if you read something that you're not sure about
01:33 or don't recognize the source, look at the NHS
01:36 or Public Health England websites.
01:39 These are where you can check all the latest
01:41 information and advices.
01:43 So here are four key things you can look out for.
01:47 Firstly, is the information up to date?
01:50 Look out for a published or last review date.
01:53 Secondly, is it clear and easy to understand?
01:56 Thirdly, have experts helped to produce the information?
02:00 it might be a doctor who is thanked for their input
02:02 on the page.
02:04 And finally are the claims in the information backed up?
02:08 Many of the most reputable websites will give details
02:11 of the original sources of the facts.
02:14 So final bit of advice.
02:17 Constantly scrolling through websites
02:18 and social media outlets for the latest news and advice
02:21 can make us feel anxious and worried.
02:23 Perhaps try and limit the amount of time you're
02:25 on social media or news websites and let your brain focus
02:28 on other things apart from the coronavirus.
02:32 Things continue to change rapidly,
02:34 and the speed of new information can feel overwhelming.
02:38 By sticking to a small number of reliable sources
02:40 for your information, it will be more manageable
02:43 and avoid the need to fact check everything you read.
02:46 (upbeat music)
Emerging health conditions in children
Dr Luke James shares insights on the health conditions emerging in children during the coronavirus pandemic.
00:04 - Alerts have been raised by doctors in the UK
00:06 who have seen an increase in the number of children
00:08 with a serious form of autoimmune illness
00:11 similar to a rare disease called Kawasaki's disease.
00:15 This results from inflammation of the blood vessels
00:17 and there are suggestions that this may be linked
00:19 to infection with the Novel Coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2.
00:24 As it is very early days and only very small numbers,
00:28 there's been no confirmation provided.
00:30 However it is important to seek medical advice
00:33 if you have any concern over your child's health,
00:36 Covid-19 related or not.
00:39 Doctors are reporting a reluctance from parents
00:42 to take their children to A&E and GP surgeries when unwell
00:45 and this is resulting in delayed diagnosis,
00:48 more severe illness, and in some cases, tragic deaths.
00:06 who have seen an increase in the number of children
00:08 with a serious form of autoimmune illness
00:11 similar to a rare disease called Kawasaki's disease.
00:15 This results from inflammation of the blood vessels
00:17 and there are suggestions that this may be linked
00:19 to infection with the Novel Coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2.
00:24 As it is very early days and only very small numbers,
00:28 there's been no confirmation provided.
00:30 However it is important to seek medical advice
00:33 if you have any concern over your child's health,
00:36 Covid-19 related or not.
00:39 Doctors are reporting a reluctance from parents
00:42 to take their children to A&E and GP surgeries when unwell
00:45 and this is resulting in delayed diagnosis,
00:48 more severe illness, and in some cases, tragic deaths.
Explore our webinar series
To help support you through this time of uncertainty, we've created a series of short webinars you can watch anytime. Delivered by Bupa experts, they'll help you adjust to your new office - through practical tips and advice on a variety of topics that making staying at home easier.
Read our latest health articles
Read the latest news, advice, case studies and tips
from Bupa Dental Care
Information and downloads
A handpicked selection of resources including infographics, guides and leaflets to help you stay well.
Infographic
Looking after your mental wellbeing in five simple steps
Take a look at our infographic which highlights five simple steps to help maintain and improve your mental wellbeing during COVID-19.
Looking after your mental wellbeing in five simple steps 
(PDF, 0.7MB)
Looking for resources to engage your clients and employees?
We’ve developed specific resources for intermediaries and employers, find out more below.
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Bupa health assessments, Occupational Health services and Bupa Private GP services are provided by Bupa Occupational Health Limited. Registered in England and Wales No. 631336. Registered office: 1 Angel Court, London EC2R 7HJ
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