COVID-19: Frequently Asked Questions

These web pages provide information for people in Scotland who may be worried that they, or someone they care about, is at increased risk of getting seriously ill and potentially dying from COVID-19. The links below address some questions people might have about the care and support that is available for people seriously ill with COVID-19.

Risk

• Who is considered at higher risk of severe illness with COVID-19?
• What should someone who is at 'increased risk' or 'extremely high risk' do to avoid getting COVID-19?
• What should someone who is at 'increased risk' or 'extremely high risk' do to prepare in case they get COVID-19?
• I’m in a ‘high risk’ / or ‘increased risk’ category. If I get covid-19 will I get the same treatment as people in lower risk categories?

Older people/ people with underlying health conditions

• I’ve heard that older people / people with underlying health conditions won’t be resuscitated. Is this true?
• If I’m old, will they not take me to hospital?

Care at Home

• What support is available at home?

Care in Hospital

• What will happen to me if I go to hospital with COVID-19?
• What interventions might be attempted in hospital to help someone with advanced COVID-19 disease?
• Will I get a ventilator?
• Will the hospital let my family know what is happening?
• How should I prepare in case I have to go to hospital with COVID-19?
• Who can come with me to the hospital?

Care in Care Homes

• What will happen to someone living in a care home who gets COVID-19?

Treatments and interventions

• What interventions might be attempted in hospital to help someone with advanced COVID-19 disease?
• Will I get a ventilator?
• Information about cardio-pulmonary resuscitation

Visiting

• Can people visit friends/family in Care Homes?
• Can people visit friends/family in Hospital?
• What can I do if I can't visit someone I love?

Making decisions

• I think I’ve got COVID-19 and my symptoms are getting worse. What should I do?
• Who decides whether or not you get taken to hospital with COVID-19?
• Are there any advantages to staying at home when you have COVID-19?
• The person I live with has covid-19 and says they don’t want to go to hospital. What should I do?
• Why would a doctor decide not to send someone to hospital when they're displaying severe symptoms of COVID-19?
• Can I choose to NOT go to hospital even if I become seriously ill?
• How can I plan ahead so that healthcare staff take my wishes into account if I become ill?

Planning ahead

• How can I plan ahead so that healthcare staff take my wishes into account if I become ill?
• What should someone who is at 'increased risk' or 'extremely high risk' do to prepare in case they get COVID-19?
• How should I prepare in case I have to go to hospital with COVID-19?

Family and friends providing support

• How can a friend or family member support someone who is seriously ill, and may be dying, from COVID-19?