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Assess Symptoms1Consider contacting your healthcare professional to seek clinical assessment and guidance on COVID-19 Testing2,3Action Plan
ARE YOU AT
HIGH RISK
FROM COVID‑19?

COVID-19 doesn't wait and neither should you.

If you are at high risk of severe COVID‑19 and showing symptoms, it's time to ACT.

Assess yourself for COVID-19 symptoms1.


​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Consider contacting your healthcare
professional to seek clinical assessment
and guidance on ​​​​​​​COVID-19 Testing2,3
What is your risk of developing severe COVID-19?
Risk factors for developing severe COVID-19 include4:
Age 65 years and above, if not vaccinated Neurological conditions (affecting brain or nerves) impacting breathing ability Pregnancy5 Cancer** Diabetes Serious lung conditions
e.g. cystic fibrosis Certain rare genetic conditions Down syndrome or any other learning disabilities Severe mental illness

Chronic heart disease

 Obesity with body mass index (BMI) greater than 35 Sickle cell disease Chronic kidney disease Organ transplant Stem cell or bone marrow transplant Chronic liver disease Weak immune system (immunocompromised)
*This list should not be considered exhaustive. Other risk factors may put you at high risk for severe COVID-19.

**For more information see www2.hse.ie/conditions/covid19/people-at-higher-risk/overview/
Assess yourself for COVID-19 symptoms1​​​​​​​.Feel different? Check to see if it might be early signs of COVID-19.
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are1:
Fever
Dry Cough
Fatigue
Note that COVID-19 symptoms can be like symptoms of cold or flu or hay fever.
Less Common Symptoms
 
Less common symptoms of COVID-19 include:
Loss or change to your sense of smell or taste Muscle or joint pain Nasal congestion Different types of skin rash Conjunctivitis Headache Sore throat Nausea or vomiting Diarrhoea

Chills or dizziness

Severe symptoms
 
Symptoms of severe COVID-19 include: 
​​​​​​​
 Shortness of breath or breathing difficulties Pain or pressure in the chest Loss of appetite Fever Confusion
You may not have all of the symptoms or your symptoms may be mild.1
Consider contacting your healthcare professional to seek clinical assessment and guidance on COVID-19 Testing2,3You do not need a COVID-19 test unless a GP or healthcare worker advises you to have one. 

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 and you:
 
  • feel very unwell
  • have an underlying condition that puts you at higher risk of severe disease

Your GP may ask you to have a COVID-19 test.
References

1.Symptoms of COVID-19 and what to do: Health Service Executive. Accessed 26th June 2023. www2.hse.ie/conditions/covid19/symptoms/overview/ 2.COVID-19 Testing: Health Service Executive. Accessed 26th June 2023. www2.hse.ie/conditions/covid19/testing/get-tested/ 3. Episode #14 - COVID-19 – Tests: World Health Organisation. Accessed 26th June 2023. www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/media-resources/science-in-5/episode-14---covid-19---tests 4. People at higher risk from COVID-19: Health Service Executive. Accessed 26th June 2023. www2.hse.ie/conditions/covid19/people-at-higher-risk/overview/ 5. COVID-19 and pregnancy: Health Service Executive. Accessed 26th June 2023. www2.hse.ie/conditions/covid19/people-at-higher-risk/covid19-and-pregnancy/

The ACT Campaign is funded by Pfizer Healthcare Ireland. Copyright © 2023 Pfizer Healthcare Ireland. All rights reserved. This site is intended for residents of the Republic of Ireland. The information provided on this site is intended for general information and education and is not intended to be a substitute for advice provided by a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional. All decisions regarding patient care must be made with a healthcare provider, considering the unique characteristics of the patient.

Supported by:

© 2023 Pfizer Inc. All rights reserved. PP-UNP-IRL-0515 June 2023
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LoadingReferencesReferences: 1. Clark A, Jit M, Warren-Gash C, et al. Global, regional, and national estimates of the population at increased risk of severe COVID-19 due to underlying health conditions in 2020: a modelling study. Lancet Glob Health. 2020;8(8):1003-1017. 2. COVID-19 treatment and medications. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Updated October 19, 2022. Accessed October 31, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/treatments-for-severe-illness.html 3. People with certain medical conditions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Updated October 19, 2022. Accessed October 31, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html 4. Guan W-J, Liang W-H, Shi Y, et al. Chronic respiratory diseases and the outcomes of COVID-19: A nationwide retrospective cohort study of 39,420 cases. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2021;9(7):2645-2655.e14.