We're here to support everyone with Crohn's and Colitis through the coronavirus pandemic. This page will help you access the most up-to-date information about the virus, and get the support you need.
Your risk level and extra precautions | Catching coronavirus | Vaccines | Your experiences | Supporting you through daily life | Looking after yourself | Coming together for good | Life at Crohn's & Colitis UK
Your risk level and extra precautions
Finding out your risk level
- Some people with Crohn's and Colitis will be at an increased risk of complications from coronavirus. Find out more in our detailed information on risk, which includes a decision tree to help you quickly work out your risk level
- The IBD Registry's COVID-19 UK IBD Tool can also accurately assess your risk, and provide you with a personalised PDF explaining your risk level if you need to show employers
Specific guidance for various risk levels
- Our Terminology Table is a quick guide to what you're currently able to do depending on your risk group
- If you're in the high risk group (clinically extremely vulnerable), we have up-to-date information on precautions the government is currently recommending you to take, including shielding
Hearing from the experts
- We're hosting Facebook Lives with expert clinicians on various aspects of coronavirus relevant to those with Crohn's and Colitis. Follow us on social media for the latest updates. You can view past events on our YouTube channel.
Catching coronavirus
- If you test positive for coronavirus, or you're experiencing symptoms, your IBD team may advise you to pause some of your medicines until you feel better. Find out more in our information on testing positive
- Hear from people with Crohn's and Colitis who have tested positive for COVID-19 on how the virus affected them
- Find out more about the latest medicines being used to treat coronavirus, and what this may mean for you if you take similar medicines for your Crohn's or Colitis
I had many of the symptoms, including a fever, cough and loss of taste and smell but it wasn’t anywhere near as bad as I imagined it would be. I had some lingering fatigue for probably 2 or 3 weeks after I recovered, but then got back to full health.
Vaccines
- You can have the coronavirus vaccine if you have Crohn's or Colitis. We have the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus vaccine, including who will be prioritisied to have it first, if it's safe for people with Crohn's and Colitis, and if it will be effective for those on immunosuppressant medicines.
- Hear from Heather, who lives with Crohn's, on her experience of having the coronavirus vaccine.
- It's more important than ever to have the flu vaccine this year to keep yourself well. Find out more in our flu information.
I’ve had my first dose of the coronavirus vaccine. As far as my experience so far goes, it's been okay. I'm prepared to take what I view as a positive risk, for the possible chance of regaining some normality.
Your experiences
83% of you have found our information about coronavirus, including tools to identify your risk level, helpful
- View the results of our Life in Lockdown survey to see how people with Crohn's and Colitis have been affected by coronavirus, from access to healthcare to employment.
- We have blogs from our supporters on various issues such as finding reliable information, a GP's perspective on the pandemic and Ramadan celebrations in 2020.
Supporting you through daily life
- Employment and finances: Many people with Crohn's or Colitis are concerned about their situation at work or their finances changing because of the coronavirus pandemic. We can help you access the information and support you need. This includes information on safely returning to the workplace.
- Right now, locked public and accessible toilets are having a massive impact on people with Crohn’s or Colitis. We need your help to change this.
- We've put together some tips for getting the most out of your virtual appointment (telephone or video), as more healthcare services are being delivered virtually
Looking after yourself
Continue your self-care routine; still get up, showered and dressed even if you can't leave the house. It just helps you still feel human.
- We spoke to some of our incredible supporters about what 'lockdown' means for them and how their past experiences have helped prepare them for isolation.
- Our supporter Lauren shares her five top tips for managing anxiety during lockdown
- It's natural to feel worried about leaving home during the coronavirus pandemic, especially if you're at higher risk. We've put together some tips on going outside to keep yourself safe.
- Our Helplines team are available to talk if you have any questions. They have put together their top tips for mental wellbeing
- We're here for you throughout the coronavirus pandemic and beyond. See our Wellbeing Support page for how we can help.
Coming together for good
- Take part in coronavirus research
- We’ve put together some virtual fundraising ideas to help you have fun with friends, family and colleagues and keep supporting people living with Crohn’s and Colitis at the same time.
- Since coronavirus has hit the UK, our community has needed our support and guidance more than ever. Help us continue to rise to the challenge. Donate now.
Life at Crohn's & Colitis UK
- Read about the measures we've taken to rebuild and change due to the coronavirus pandemic.
- Today, IBD teams all over the UK are pointing patients in our direction for coronavirus information. Find out how our Knowledge and Evidence team are keeping up with the crisis to bring you the most accurate and up-to-date information.
- One of our Helplines Officers, Anna, explains how the team have been helping people and answers some important coronavirus questions along the way in her blog.
We’re still experiencing an exceptionally high demand for information. We’re also working remotely which is a big change for us but we’re still supporting each other with catch ups at the start and the end of the day.
We know that the coronavirus panedmic has been difficult for many of you. If you have any questions or need to talk, you can contact our confidential Helpline via email, telephone or Live Chat - 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.