COVID-19: NICaN advice for people with cancer in Northern Ireland

The main symptoms of a Coronavirus infection (COVID-19)
- A new continuous cough
- A high temperature (37.8ºC)
- A loss or change to sense of smell or taste and in severe cases shortness of breath
- Additional symptoms of the newer variations of COVID-19, or in those who have been vaccinated also include:
  Headache, sneezing, runny nose, sore throat
- If you have chest pain, significant bleeding or you need immediate medical attention call 999
  If you have a temperature, or shivering flu-like symptoms or Covid like symptoms while you are on treatment for cancer contact your local cancer unit helpline
- To download the document of COVID-19: advice for people with cancer in Northern Ireland, CLICK HERE
COVID-19 vaccination
- We have no concerns about people who are receiving chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy or radiotherapy having their COVID-19 vaccination
- After having the vaccine, it is important to carry on taking appropriate measures to reduce your risk of infection
- Any household contacts/children of CEV people aged 12 to 15 years are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccination.
- COVID- 19 vaccination 3rd dose: An extra (3rd) dose will be offered to those most vulnerable during September 2021 to maintain protection given by the first and second doses. Your GP or hospital will write to you with further details
- A further 4th dose or booster programme has now become available pending further advice in 2022. For updates on COVID-19 vaccination please keep checking NI Direct at Get a COVID-19 vaccination and booster in Northern Ireland | nidirect
Top tips from professionals
- Ask visitors to take lateral flow tests (LFT) prior to visiting
- Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces
- Be alert for symptoms of COVID-19
- Continue with good hand washing/hand sanitising
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Carve some time out for yourself
- Check in with yourself and trust your own boundaries
- Do something that you really enjoy
- Don't be afraid to reach out to family
- Do not have multiple visitors at once
- Get vaccinated
- Have hand sanitiser and face masks at the front & back doors
- If anyone has symptoms of covid they should follow government testing guidelines
- It's okay for you to get support
- Keep rooms well ventilated if you have guests at home
- Keep social distancing
- Meet people outside when possible
- There's a circle of care. Don't place yourself outside of it
- Try and keep a routine, do what you normally do
- Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals and drink enough water
- Try to get enough rest and sleep
- Use support services
- You and your household can carry out regular self-testing for covid with lateral flow tests
- Wear masks and put some sanitizers in the hall/entrance
- Wear a mask in public places or when meeting indoors with people you don’t live with
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available
Who can I call for support?
- If you have concerns related to cancer or your treatment, contact your cancer clinical team
- Find help in your area: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/in-your-area/choose-location.html
- Other helplines
  - CRUK Nurses Helpline: 0808 800 4040 (Mon to Fri 9am to 5pm)
  - Cancer Focus Northern Ireland - Nurse line: 0800 783 3339/ Email:nurseline@cancerfocusni.org /https://cancerfocusni.org/patient-support/nurseline/
  - Macmillan Cancer Support - Support line : 0808 808 0000
  - Macmillan Welfare Help - Advice Space (NI): 0300 1233 233 https://www.advicespace.me/
  - NHS - Using the NHS and other health services during coronavirus https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/using-the-nhs-and-other-health-services/
- For emotional and practical support
  - CRUK - Coronavirus http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/
  - Macmillan Cancer Support Coronavirus https://www.macmillan.org.uk/coronavirus
  - Public Health Agency https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/
  - Northern Ireland Cancer Support:
    - Northern Ireland Cancer Network https://nican.hscni.net/
    - NI Direct COVID Vaccine info https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/get-covid-19-vaccination-northern-ireland#toc-0
    - Macmillan Information Centre /Ulster Hospital/ Dundonald BT16 1RH/ 028 90 553246 ext. 6839 Email: Macmillan.InformationandSupport@setrust.hscni.net
    - Macmillan Information and Support Manager/Northern Trust/028 9442 4000 ext. 333079
    - Macmillan Information and Support Centre/Craigavon Area Hospital/028 37561001
    - Macmillan Cancer Information Health and Wellbeing Coordinator/Craigavon Area Hospital/028 37561001
    - Macmillan Information & Support Manager/Cancer Services/Altnagelvin Hospital/BT47 6SB/028 71611139
    - Northern Trust Carers Support Service/ Email:carer.hub@northerntrust.hscni.net/ 02827661210
    - Southern Trust Carers Support Service/Email:carers.coordinator@southerntrust.hscni.net/ 02837566284
    - Western Trust Carers Support Service/(Fermanagh area)(Londonderry/DerryArea) Email:carers.support1@westerntrust.hscni.net/02866344163/02871355023
    - South Eastern Trust Carers Support Service /Email:carers.support@setrust.hscni.net / 02843721807
    - Belfast Trust Trust Carers Support Service/ Email:CarerSuppSvcs@belfasttrust.hscni.net/ 02895042126
    - Cancer Focus Northern Ireland Support https://cancerfocusni.org/patient-support/
    - Cancer Focus Northern Ireland Counselling https://cancerfocusni.org/patient-support/counselling/
    - CarersNI https://www.carersuk.org/northernireland
    - Caring for carers (North Belfast) / Email:info@cancerlifeline.info /http://www.cancerlifeline.info/caring-for-carers
    - Action Cancer https://actioncancer.org/services-info/
    - Charis Cancer Care https://chariscancercare.org/what-we-do/