
Coronavirus and epilepsy
Fast facts
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1Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new illness that affects your lungs and airways
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2The main symptoms of COVID-19 are a high temperature (fever) a new, continuous cough, and a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste. Most people will have at least one of these symptoms
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3There is some evidence that people with epilepsy could have a slightly increased risk from coronavirus. This doesn’t mean you need to shield, but it’s important to follow the general guidance about social distancing to keep yourself safe
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4Some people with epilepsy have other health conditions alongside their epilepsy, which may put them at increased risk of complications
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5Some people with epilepsy are more likely to have a seizure when they are unwell, particularly if they have a high temperature (fever). Fever is a symptom of coronavirus, so it’s possible this could trigger seizures for some people with epilepsy
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6Most people with epilepsy can safely wear simple cloth face coverings
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7People aged 16-64 with epilepsy are in one of the priority groups to get the COVID-19 vaccine
Important!
You need to stay at home (self-isolate) if you’ve been told to by the
NHS Test and Trace service or if you, or someone you live with:
- Has symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19)
- Is waiting for a coronavirus test result
- Has tested positive for coronavirus

Top tips
- Keep up to date. The Epilepsy Action website has up to date information for people with epilepsy concerned about coronavirus (COVID-19). This includes answers to frequently asked questions and signposting to support
- Follow the guidance about social distancing to keep yourself safe
- It’s important to plan in advance how you would get your medicines in case you need to self-isolate. This could be getting a friend or family member to collect your prescriptions for you. Or you could make arrangements for your pharmacy to deliver your medicines to your home
- Pharmacies are still open, but many have changed their opening hours to help them manage demand. Check with your local pharmacy to find out their opening hours before making a journey
- If you live alone, have a plan to keep in regular contact with friends, family members or neighbours while self-isolating. You could ask them to contact you regularly by phone or text to check you are ok. This is especially important if you have uncontrolled seizures
- You may be feeling anxious about coronavirus or your epilepsy. The Epilepsy Space pages on emotions and wellbeing may help
- If you need to talk about a concern you can call the Epilepsy Action Helpline on 0808 800 5050. At this time the helpline continues to be available during its normal opening hours link
- If you have been out wash your hands as soon as you get home
- If you find that wearing a face covering makes you feel uncomfortable or anxious, it’s worth trying different ones
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