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Since the outbreak of COVID-19, people around the world have had to adapt to new ways of living to stay safe. While vaccines and treatments have helped reduce the severity of the virus, COVID-19 is still present, and protecting yourself remains important. So, what can you do as a teenager to stay safe while still living your life?

Understanding COVID-19

COVID-19 is a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The virus can also survive on surfaces, meaning that touching contaminated objects and then touching your face can lead to infection.

While older adults and people with underlying health conditions are most at risk of severe illness, teenagers can still catch and spread the virus. Some may experience mild symptoms, while others might have a more severe reaction. In rare cases, COVID-19 can lead to long-term health issues known as long COVID.

The Real-Life Impact on a Young Person

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected people in many ways physically, emotionally, and socially. For teenagers, missing school, social events, and time with friends has been difficult.

Bens Story:

Ben, 16, loved playing football with his friends and was excited for his GCSE exams. However, when he caught COVID-19, everything changed. At first, he thought it was just a cold, but soon he felt exhausted and struggled to concentrate. He had to isolate at home, missing two weeks of school and an important football match.

Even after testing negative, Ben felt tired for weeks. He couldn't keep up with schoolwork and found it hard to focus. He later learned that he had mild long COVID. With support from his teachers and family, he gradually recovered, but the experience made him realise how important it is to take precautions.

How Can You Protect Yourself from COVID-19?

While COVID-19 isn't as disruptive as it was in 2020, it's still important to take precautions to protect yourself and those around you. Here are some key steps to stay safe.

1. Get Vaccinated

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself from severe illness. In the UK, COVID-19 vaccines are available for people aged 12 and over.

Getting vaccinated helps:

• Reduce your risk of catching the virus
• Lower the chance of severe illness if you do get infected
• Protect others, including vulnerable family members

2. Wash Your Hands Regularly

Hand hygiene is a simple but effective way to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially:

• After being in public places
• Before eating
• After coughing or sneezing

If soap and water aren't available, use hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol.

3. Wear a Mask in High-Risk Situations

While masks are no longer required in most places, wearing one can still help reduce the spread of the virus, especially:

• In crowded places like buses, trains, and shopping centres
• If you are feeling unwell
• When visiting elderly or vulnerable people

4. Keep Rooms Ventilated

COVID-19 spreads more easily in indoor spaces with poor airflow. To reduce the risk:

• Open windows when indoors
• Use fans or air purifiers
• Meet up with friends outside when possible

5. Stay Home If You Feel Unwell

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, such as a cough, fever, or loss of taste and smell, it's best to stay at home and take a test if available. Even if its just a cold, avoiding close contact with others can prevent the spread of illness.

6. Take Lateral Flow Tests If Necessary

Lateral flow tests are a quick way to check if you have COVID-19. They're useful if:

• You have symptoms
• You've been in contact with someone who tested positive
• You're visiting someone vulnerable

7. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

A strong immune system can help your body fight infections. You can boost your health by:

• Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables
• Getting enough sleep
• Exercising regularly
• Managing stress through relaxation and hobbies

How to Protect Others

Even if you're not worried about getting COVID-19, it's important to think about those who might be more vulnerable, such as grandparents or people with health conditions. Here's how you can help protect others:

• Avoid visiting vulnerable people if you feel unwell
• Test before meeting elderly relatives
• Encourage friends and family to take precautions

What If You Catch COVID-19?

If you test positive for COVID-19, here's what to do:

• Rest and stay hydrated
• Isolate at home if advised to do so
• Monitor your symptoms and seek medical help if they worsen
• Inform people you've recently been in contact with

Can You Get COVID-19 More Than Once?

Yes, reinfection is possible, even if you've had COVID-19 before. However, being vaccinated reduces the risk of severe symptoms if you catch the virus again.

How Can You Support Friends Who Have COVID-19?

If a friend is isolating due to COVID-19, they might feel lonely or bored. You can support them by:

• Checking in with them through messages or video calls
• Helping with schoolwork if they're missing lessons
• Offering to drop off food or essentials

Final Thoughts

Protecting yourself from COVID-19 is about making small but important choices. Vaccination, hygiene, and staying informed all help reduce the risk of infection. While the pandemic has changed life in many ways, taking simple precautions can keep you and your loved ones safe while allowing you to enjoy everyday activities.

How are you feeling?

It is really important that when we need help, we feel able to ask for it. This could be speaking to a parent, a close friend, a teacher or someone else you trust. Sometimes it can be really hard to share our feelings with other people but if we are feeling low or don't know where to turn, sharing with others is really important. Teachers will always take you seriously and listen to your problems in confidence if you approach them for help. Likewise, parents, siblings or friends will help you if you reach out to them.

If you feel like you can't speak to anyone you know, there are people and organisations that can help support you:

• Childline - Call them on 0800 1111 any time of the day or night, every day of the week
• NSPCC - Call them on 0808 800 5000 between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday or email them on help@NSPCC.org.uk
• The Samaritans – Call them on 116 123 any time of the day or night, every day of the week
• SANE – Call 0300 304 7000 for support (4:30pm - 10:30pm every day)
• Mind – Call 0300 123 3393 (9:00am - 6:00pm Monday to Friday)

*Sometimes we will use real life examples in our articles to aid understanding. When we do, names and ages will be changed.