Symptoms of Corona-Virus
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses with some causing less severe disease, such as the common cold, and others causing more severe disease, such as Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) coronaviruses.
The main symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are:a high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you’ve noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normalIf you have any of these symptoms, get a test to check if you have coronavirus and stay at home until you get your result.
PREVENTION OF CORONA-VIRUS (COVID-19)
To help stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), avoid close contact with anyone you do not live with and wash your hands regularly.
To stop coronavirus (COVID-19) spreading:try to stay at least 2 metres (3 steps) away from anyone you do not live with or anyone not in your support bubblewash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 secondsuse hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not availablewash your hands as soon as you get homecover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneezeput used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwardswear something that covers your nose and mouth when it’s hard to stay away from people, such as in shops or on public transportdo not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not cleanFollow government guidance about national and local restrictions.
TREATMENT OF CORONA-VIRUS (COVID-19)
You can usually treat mild coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms at home. If your symptoms are severe, you may need medical care until you recover.
Self-care: There are things you can do to treat mild symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) while you’re staying at home (self-isolating).If you have a high temperature:get lots of rest, drink plenty of fluids (water is best) to avoid dehydration – drink enough so your pee is light yellow and clear take paracetamol or ibuprofen if you feel uncomfortable If you have a cough:avoid lying on your back – lie on your side or sit upright instead try having a teaspoon of honey – but do not give honey to babies under 12 months If you feel breathless:keep your room cool by turning the heating down or opening a window – do not use a fan as it may spread the virus sit upright in a chair and relax your shoulders try breathing slowly in through your nose and out through your mouth, with your lips together like you’re gently blowing out a candle