mteb/FeedbackQARetrieval huggingface dataset:
Q&A: Adolescents, youth and COVID-19
Can adolescents spread COVID-19 to other people even if they have mild or no symptoms?
Yes. Infected people in all age groups – including adolescents - can transmit
the virus to other people, even if they have mild symptoms or do not feel ill.
The virus is spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose
or mouth which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs, sneezes or
speaks. These droplets can land on objects and surfaces. People can then
become infected by touching these objects or surfaces, and then touching their
eyes, nose or mouth.
Q&A: Adolescents, youth and COVID-19
In the lockdown, I am spending much more time online playing games, socialising and studying. Should I be worried about this?
COVID-19 has abruptly pushed many people’s daily lives online, and you may be
spending even more hours online than before. While online solutions provide
huge opportunities for continuing your learning, socializing and playing, you
should try to limit the amount of screen time that is not related to your
studies or physical activity. This is because you need to be physically active
to keep healthy and a positive attitude. In addition, some people are
sensitive to flickering lights and may get headaches, nausea, and dizziness,
and even seizures if they spend too much time in front of a screen. Therefore
it is important to replace some of the recreational screen time with non-
screen activities, like listening to music, reading, playing board games, and
physical activity, like going for a walk or jog. Excessive gaming can lead to
“gaming disorder” that leads to reduced sleep or day-night reversal, loss of
appetite, aggression, headaches, and attention problems. If you experience
these symptoms, seek help from your parents or a trusted adult.
Q&A: Adolescents, youth and COVID-19
Some of my friends are not sticking to the rules about physical distancing. What should I do?
Explain to your friends why it is important to protect themselves and others
by washing their hands, avoiding touching their face, always coughing or
sneezing into their elbow, sleeve, or a tissue, and cooperating with physical
distancing measures and movement restrictions when called on to do so. Maybe
you can share ideas for fun virtual activities that your friends can
participate in, and you can encourage them to do them together with you or
with other friends. This way you are giving them alternatives rather than just
telling them to stay at home. But, remember that you do not have control over
other peoples’ actions so do not get into an argument or a fight to try to
change their minds.
Q&A: Adolescents, youth and COVID-19
When will this pandemic end so I can go back to school and meet up with my friends?
We don’t know when the pandemic will end, but we know it depends on every
individual’s contribution in helping stop the transmission. The sacrifices you
have made by not seeing your friends and by stopping going to school and other
activities are your contributions to fighting the pandemic. By putting
societies and economies on hold, we have reduced the ability of the virus to
spread through our communities. These defensive measures have helped to limit
some of the short-term impacts of the virus, and bought us time to translate
what we have learned about the virus into solutions so that we can get back to
a more familiar way of living. It is important that you continue to practise
these measures and encourage your friends to do the same.  
Read more:
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-
public ****
Q&A: Adolescents, youth and COVID-19
Since my parents stopped going out to work, they have been arguing with each other much more, and in some instances, I have seen one parent harm or hurt the other either verbally or physically. I don’t feel safe at home. What should I do?
This is a difficult time. Many people – including perhaps your parents - are
worrying about security, health, and money. When people are in the cramped and
confined living conditions of lockdown, these tensions and stress can become
even greater. It is normal to have disagreements. However, if the
disagreements become verbal or physical, then it is right to take action.  
If you are worried about what is happening in your home, or don’t feel safe,
talk to a trusted adult about what worries you, and seek their advice. During
an argument or a fight, try not to draw attention to yourself so that you
don’t end up getting hurt. It might be useful to have a safety plan in case
the violence escalates. This includes preparing a bag with essential items,
like clothing, documents and electric charger, and having a neighbour, friend,
relative, or shelter identified to go to should you need to leave the house
immediately for safety reasons. Arrange with the trusted adult to help you
alert the relevant authorities who can help you stay safe, including the
police, emergency health services and social services.  
In many of the countries that have been most affected by COVID-19, essential
services are still available, including shelters or protection services. If
there are no trusted adults for you to share your concerns with, your country
may have helplines, including text services so that you can communicate with
someone who can help you or give you advice.
Read more:
https://www.unwomen.org/-/media/headquarters/attachments/sections/library/publications/2020/issue-
brief-covid-19-and-ending-violence-against-women-and-girls-
en.pdf?la=en&vs=5006 
https://www.who.int/publications-detail/who-guidelines-for-the-health-sector-
response-to-child-maltreatment ****  
https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/331699/WHO-
SRH-20.04-eng.pdf
Q&A: Adolescents, youth and COVID-19
Since there are few known cases of adolescents getting seriously ill with COVID-19, should I go to a health facility if I develop symptoms of the disease?
If you have minor symptoms, such as a slight cough or a mild fever, there is
generally no need to seek medical care. Stay at home, self-isolate and monitor
your symptoms. Follow national guidance on self-isolation.  
Avoiding contact with others and visits to medical facilities will allow these
facilities to operate more effectively and help protect you and others from
possible COVID-19 and other viruses.  
Seek medical care if your health gets worse, or if there is no one in your
family that can take care of you at home. It is important that you follow the
procedures put in place by your country. Ask a family member or another
trusted adult how you can find out what these procedures are where you live.  
Read more:
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-
public
https://apps.who.int/iris/rest/bitstreams/1272288/retrieve
Q&A: Adolescents, youth and COVID-19
Is it safe to have sex at this time?
There is no evidence that COVID-19 is transmitted through semen or vaginal
fluids. However, having sex with someone means that you are very close to
them. This puts one person at risk if the other person has COVID-19.
Masturbation does not involve another person, and carries no risk of COVID-19.
Also, having sex with a partner whom you are living with does not carry this
risk if both of you are taking steps to protect yourself from the virus. Make
sure to use condoms and contraception to avoid sexually transmitted infections
and unintended pregnancy.  
Read more:
https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/contraception-family-planning-and-
covid-19 
https://www.unfpa.org/resources/adolescents-and-young-people-coronavirus-
disease-covid-19
Q&A: Adolescents, youth and COVID-19
I am missing out on my education because of the COVID-19 pandemic. What should I do?
Your school or place where you are studying are likely to make arrangements
for you to catch up or to do exams at another time. Follow the procedures that
your school has put in place to reduce the immediate impact of school
closures, and to facilitate the continuity of education. If you have access to
internet, you can also consult your teachers and other trusted adults to
identify and access reliable online learning opportunities and resources,
including those included in the distance learning solutions recommended by
UNESCO, the United
Nations agency that helps countries improve their education systems. In
addition, UNESCO is collecting stories from students, teachers and
parents
about how they are coping and continuing to learn during school closures.
Access those stories, they might inspire you. You can also contact UNESCO and
share your story! Find out how to share it
here.  
In places where internet connectivity is a problem, many governments have
started to broadcast educational programmes on TV and radio channels during
school closures. If you live in such a place, look out for educational
programmes on your local TV and radio channels.  
Read more:
https://en.unesco.org/covid19/educationresponse/solutions 
https://www.voicesofyouth.org/campaign/studying-home-due-coronavirus-how-
young-people-around-world-are-keeping-their-mood__
Q&A: Adolescents, youth and COVID-19
I am on medication for a chronic health condition. Should I change anything?
It is important to continue with any medication you may be using for chronic
and other conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, HIV infection and TB, and
attend recommended check-ups. Check with your health authorities and health
provider if these check-ups should be done differently during the COVID-19
outbreak. Some services, such as counselling, may be available remotely. For
treatment of clinically stable adolescents with HIV and adolescents with TB
and/or other chronic conditions, your health provider should consider multi-
month prescriptions and dispensing which will reduce the frequency of your
visits to the clinic and ensure continuity of treatment, if movements are
disrupted during the pandemic. Adherence to treatment is just as important
during this period.  
Read more:
https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-on-covid-19-hiv-and-
antiretrovirals
Q&A: Adolescents, youth and COVID-19
I am feeling really anxious about COVID-19 and its impact on my life. What should I do?
In situations like a pandemic it is very normal to feel anxious and powerless,
and that is ok. Here are a few suggestions on things that could help you
proactively manage your anxiety:  
Think about how you are feeling. Don’t ignore your feelings, especially if
you don’t feel well. When your life is disrupted, it is normal to have many
different feelings: worry, frustration, sad, stress, anger, anxiety - this can
happen to everyone. Draw on skills and strategies you have used in the past
that have helped you to manage life challenges, and skills to help you manage
your emotions. Here are a few examples:

Keep a diary 
Express your feelings through art, like writing a poem, drawing, dancing, or playing music 
Talk about your feelings and concerns with someone you trust 
Try some breathing exercises. You may find guided breathing exercises online if you have access to internet. 

Do something active every day : Any exercise will help, as it reduces
levels of the body's stress hormones, which can help your body and mind relax.
Exercise also produces a “feel good hormone” called endorphins which can help
to improve your mood. Try taking a walk, running, or any physical activity
outdoors while keeping a distance from others. For those who are unable to
leave the house, you could open the window for fresh air and do some indoor
exercises to stay active.  
Don’t use smoking, eating, alcohol or other drugs to deal with your
emotions.
Stay connected with friends and family either by communicating with them
by phone or internet if you can., If you live close to them and the local
rules allow you to, you could also talk to them in person while keeping your
distance.
Keep a daily routine as much as possible. Try to go to bed and wake up at
the same times every day, making sure you get enough sleep. Plan ahead and try
to have a balance of activities such as keeping up with schoolwork, physical
exercise, connecting with friends and family, doing things you enjoy, and
eating regular meals.  
Talk to a health worker or counsellor if you, or someone you care about:

feel overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, fears and worries 
feel like stress gets in the way of your daily routines, or
feel like you want to harm yourself or others. 

At this time, you may find it easier to speak to a counsellor than a health
worker, given that there may be restrictions on movement and health facilities
may be busy caring for those with COVID-19.
Read more:
https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/coping-with-
stress.pdf 
https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/helping-children-cope-
with-stress-print.pdf 
https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/mental-health-
considerations.pdf 
https://www.un.org/youthenvoy/2020/04/copingwithcovid-a-webinar-series-on-
young-people-and-mental-health/ 
https://www.voicesofyouth.org/campaign/covid-19-and-youth-mental-health
Q&A: Adolescents, youth and COVID-19
I am bored staying home. Since I am very unlikely to get severely ill even if I was to get COVID-19, why is it important that I follow the guidelines to prevent transmission such as keeping physical distance from other people?
Staying at home is difficult and can get boring, but it may help to do
something you enjoy. This could be reading a book, playing games or listening
to music. Try to stay connected with friends and family every day either by
communicating with them by phone or internet if you can, or, if you live close
to them and the local rules allow you to, by talking in-person while keeping
your distance.  
At the same time, it is still really important that you reduce your chances of
being infected or spreading COVID-19 by washing your hands with soap and water
or alcohol-based hand rub as often as possible, keeping at least 1 metre (3
feet) from other people, and avoiding crowded places. You might be one of the
unlucky adolescents who does get severely ill if you catch COVID-19, or you
could spread it to others and be responsible for them getting really ill or
even dying. You have the power to make choices that could save lives and
together young people can play an important part in fighting COVID-19.  
Read more:
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-
public
Q&A: Adolescents, youth and COVID-19
COVID-19 is everywhere in the news, and I am finding it difficult to know what is true and what is false. What should I do?
A near-constant stream of news, sometimes contradictory, can cause anyone to
feel lost and distressed. Make sure to use reliable sources such as the
UNICEF and the World Health
Organization’s sites to get
information, or to check any information you might be getting through less
reliable channels.
If you have a phone, you can use the WHO Health Alert on WhatsApp to get the latest information about the
pandemic. This is a new service, which is free to use, designed to give
prompt, reliable and official information 24 hours a day, worldwide. Start by
clicking WHO Health
Alert,
then simply text the word ‘Hi’ in a WhatsApp message to get started. Keep in
mind that overloading yourself with information about the COVID-19 pandemic
can also be stressful, so seek information updates and practical guidance at
specific times during the day and avoid listening to or following rumours that
make you feel uncomfortable.  
Read more:
https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/mental-health-
considerations.pdf
Q&A: Adolescents, youth and COVID-19
I know there is a risk of getting COVID-19 at the moment, but I feel fine. Can I still play sports?
Yes. You can still play sports that are in line with the physical distancing
measures and movement restrictions that are in place in your country. Being
physically active is good for your health, both physical and mental. Set up a
regular routine to practice activities or sports that do not require close
contact with others every day for 1 hour. You can do individual sports, like
jogging, walking, dancing or yoga. There are many options to try. You can set
up playground games indoors, such as jump rope and hop-scotch, play with your
brothers and sisters, and practice some strength training activities, using
improvised weights like bottles full of water or sand. If you have access to
the internet, you can also join in online active games or fitness classes, or
set up your own online physical exercises with your friends or classmates.
Find an activity that is fun, can be done within the restrictions that are in
place in your country, and makes you feel good.
Q&A: Adolescents, youth and COVID-19
Can adolescents catch COVID-19?
Yes. All age groups can catch COVID-19. While we are still learning about how
COVID-19 affects people, older persons (e.g. persons over 60 years) and
persons with pre-existing medical conditions, like high blood pressure, heart
disease, lung disease, cancer or diabetes, appear to develop serious illness
more often than others. As this is a new virus, we are still learning about
how it affects children and adolescents. Evidence to date suggests that
children and adolescents are less likely to get severe disease, but severe
cases and death can still happen in these age groups.  
Read more:
https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/key-messages-and-
actions-for-covid-19-prevention-and-control-in-schools-
march-2020.pdf?sfvrsn=baf81d52_4 
https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses
Q&A: Adolescents, youth and COVID-19
I was due to get vaccinated for HPV, meningitis or tetanus, but immunization services have been disrupted. Should I be concerned?
WHO recommends that all vaccination in schools and mass campaigns should be
postponed during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, vaccines provided to
adolescents have sufficiently flexible schedules to make sure you can get the
vaccine in time when vaccination services start again. For example, the HPV
vaccine that requires two doses can be started any time between 9 and 14 years
of age and the interval between the two doses can be longer. The minimum
interval between doses is 6 months, but it can be 12 or 15 months and, if
necessary, even longer. It is most important hat you receive the t second dose
at some point in time to be fully protected.  
Decisions to continue routine vaccination services are made by each country.
Ask a family member or another trusted adult how you can get information about
vaccination services where you live. It is important you get the vaccines you
are supposed to get, even if they have to be delayed due to the COVID-19
pandemic.
Read more:
https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/331590/WHO-2019-nCoV-
immunization_services-2020.1-eng.pdf 
https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/331818/WHO-2019-nCoV-
immunization_services-FAQ-2020.1-eng.pdf
Q&A: Adolescents, youth and COVID-19
Schools are reopening in some areas of my country. Is it safe to go back to school?
A decision to reopen schools in every country and area is made based on
careful assessment of the situation, with consensus among all the key parties
involved, including the health and education policy-makers, teachers and other
school staff, parents and health and community workers. In addition, the
reopening of schools are carefully planned and prepared, with all necessary
measures in place to protect the safety and health of everyone in the school
community.  
Therefore, if your school reopens, you should feel assured it is safe for you
to go back to school – provided that you strictly follow the guidelines and
rules that will be provided by your school.  
Of course, if you have any concerns with going back to school, do not hesitate
to speak out to your teachers and parents or guardians.
Read more:
School reopening, UNESCO COVID-19 Education Response Education Sector Issue
Note 7.1, April 2020
Prepare for school reopening, IIEP-UNESCO's COVID response
brief,
April 2020
Q&A: Adolescents, youth and COVID-19
I heard I can be hurt by online contacts. What are my risks and how I can protect myself online.
Since you might be spending even more time online than before, it is wise to
be aware of some of the risks. First, be careful what content you share
online. Risky behaviour, such as sexting or sharing of sexualized content, can
expose you to risks of blackmail, harassment and humiliation. Second, spending
more time online may increase the chances that you could come into contact
with online predators who seek to sexually exploit young people. When in front
of webcams wear appropriate clothing and do not connect with teachers or
virtual classrooms from a bedroom. In addition, it’s important to note that
some adolescents – for example those with disabilities and those perceived to
be different or at greater risk of catching or spreading COVID-19 - may be at
increased risk of cyberbullying and discrimination. Hurtful, discriminatory or
inappropriate online contact is never okay. If in doubt, or if you feel
uncomfortable or distressed about some interactions you have online, tell a
parent or another trusted adult immediately.  
Read more:
https://www.unicef.org/media/67396/file/COVID-19%20and%20Its%20Implications%20for%20Protecting%20Children%20Online.pdf
Q&A: Adolescents, youth and COVID-19
What should I do if someone in my family gets really ill with COVID-19?
Seek medical care, if members of your family get seriously ill. If possible,
either you or an adult should phone the local or national COVID-19 emergency
number for advice on where and how you could get care. If your family member
is confirmed as having COVID-19, you must be prepared that you and other known
contacts will need to monitor your symptoms, and continue to self-quarantine
for 14 days, even if you feel healthy.
Read more:
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-
public
Q&A: Adolescents, youth and COVID-19
I don’t like the way someone touches me at home and we are both at home all the time because of the pandemic. What should I do?
It is wrong for anyone to do this. And it is not your fault in any way. If you
are staying in the same house as the person and/or are dependent on him (it
will usually be a man), that may make some of the things that you could do
difficult, especially during stay-at-home restrictions due to COVID-19. Here
are some things that you can consider doing to improve your safety while in
the house.  


You could tell him politely but firmly that you do not want him to touch you and ask him to please stop.


You could inform your parents or other caregivers or trusted adult in the house about what is happening.


You could inform a trusted adult outside your home such as a neighbour or a teacher or family friend or relative. 


If you have access to a phone, you could call or text for help and support. This includes calling hotlines/helplines for children and women who are in need of help or feeling distressed or subjected to abuse, or calling a child protection service in your area. Be careful not to leave your phone calls or text messages where anyone else could access them. 


If you need to leave the house immediately because he is hurting or harming you, think of discretely (without him overhearing) pre-arranging with a neighbour or trusted relative or family friend to help you leave the house and stay with them until it is safe for you to return home.


If you have been sexually abused or raped and need urgent medical help or care, go as soon as possible to the nearest hospital or clinic to ask for medical care.   


Read more: 
https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/331699/WHO-
SRH-20.04-eng.pdf