Coronavirus – Information for people with neurological conditions and carers

Last updated - 2 April 2020

If you have a neurological condition or care for someone who does, you may be concerned about how the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak will affect you.

There are many neurological conditions, and there will be issues that are specific to certain conditions. Some of our member charities have suggested pages with advice and information for people with specific conditions.

We also recommend that you check with charities that work with people with your condition in order to get condition specific advice.

The Scottish Government published new information for people with a neurological condition on 2 April 2020.

The Association of British Neurologists has also published guidance about COVID-19 and neurological conditions.

This page is for general advice for people with neurological conditions and carers.

See the latest coronavirus information from Scottish Government and NHS Inform.

There is also a free Coronavirus (COVID-19) helpline for people without symptoms who want general information: 0800 028 2816 Opening hours: Monday - Friday, 8.00am - 10.00pm Saturday and Sunday, 9.00am to 5.00pm

Am I more likely to get coronavirus?

It depends on your condition. Most people with a neurological condition are not at a greater risk than anyone else of catching coronavirus.

People with some specific conditions have an elevated risk of catching coronavirus because their condition or treatment affects their immune system. There are around 200,000 people in this category, and Scottish Government is now contacting them with specific advice to self-isolate and practice social shielding.

Scottish Government says that if you are in this group, you must:

• not leave your home
• minimise all non-essential contact with other members of your household

For at least the next 12 weeks.

If you live with other people, they do not have to self-isolate, but they should follow social distancing measures to protect you. These include:

• keeping 2 metres (3 steps) away from you with and sleeping in a different bed where possible
• using a separate bathroom from you. If you share a toilet and bathroom with others, it’s important that they are cleaned after use every time
• consider drawing up a rota for bathing, with you using the facilities first
• do not share bath or hand towels
• avoid using the kitchen and eating with you - you should eat in your own room, if you can
• use a dishwasher if you have one. If not, wash up using your usual washing up liquid and warm water
• use a separate tea towel for drying crockery and cutlery

Everyone in your household should:

• regularly wash their hands
• avoid touching their face
• clean frequently touched surfaces

Find out more about social shielding on the NHS Inform website.

Am I more likely to develop complications?

Some groups of people have an increased risk of complications if they get coronavirus. These groups include everyone over 70, people who are pregnant, and some people with long term conditions.

The Scottish Government has specifically named some neurological conditions as placing people at agreater risk - specifically Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), a learning disability or cerebral palsy. This is not an exhaustive list - the Scottish Government says that if you would normally qualify for an NHS flu vaccination because of your condition, you should consider that you are at greater risk.

The Scottish Government says that people who are at risk should be strict about social distancing.

Helpful tips to reduce unnecessary social contact

• use a telephone or online services to contact your GP or other essential services
• if you need food or medicine, ask a friend, neighbour or delivery driver to bring them and leave them on your doorstep for you to collect.
• you can go outside for exercise. Keep a distance of around 2 metres (6 feet) between you and other people.
• keep connected with family, friends and your community through phone calls, online forums and social media.

Recommendations for everyone

Scottish Government says that people should:

• stay at home
• only go outside for essential food, health and work reasons
• stay 2 metres (6 feet) away from other people
• wash your hands regularly
• wash your hands as soon as you get home

What about my routine care and support?

Many people with a neurological condition require regular and ongoing support from NHS and/or social care professionals.

It is not clear how the outbreak will impact on routine NHS and social care support provision. We will update this as more information becomes available.

I care for someone with a neurological condition. What do I need to know?

It’s important for everyone in contact with someone with a neurological condition to follow Scottish Government and NHS Scotland advice, such as good hand hygiene and social distancing.

There is advice on NHS Inform about the social shielding measures you must take if you live with someone who has been defined as extremely vulnerable.

Here is basic hygiene advice:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use hand sanitiser.
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue, put the tissue in the bin immediately, and wash your hands afterwards.
• If you are unable to use a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not your hands

For some people with neurological conditions, handwashing can be more difficult, and it's important to take extra care. Sandra Mackay, an Occupational Therapist based at Cerebral Palsy Scotland has developed this helpful guide to handwashing for people with neurological conditions.

Carers Scotland and the Carers’ Trust Scotland have been involved in creating this helpful guidance for carers, including your rights to support, and how to create a contingency plan in case you or someone else in your household becomes unwell.