What is Coronavirus (COVID-19):
COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It's caused by a virus called coronavirus.
What's the risk of coronavirus in the UK?
The UK Chief Medical Officers have raised the risk to the public from low to moderate.
Health professionals are working to contact anyone who has been in close contact with people who have coronavirus.
What are the Symptoms of coronavirus?
The symptoms of coronavirus are:
>> a cough
>> a high temperature
>> shortness of breath
But these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness.
The symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common, such as cold and flu.
How does coronavirus spread?
Because it's a new illness, we do not know exactly how coronavirus spreads from person to person.
Similar viruses are spread in cough droplets.
It's very unlikely it can be spread through things like packages or food.
How to avoid catching or spreading coronavirus?
One can do the following:
>> Wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
>> Always wash your hands when you get home or into work
>> Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
>>Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
>> Put used tissues in the bin straight away and wash your hands afterwards
>> Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell
One should not do the following:
>> Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
What to do if you think you might have coronavirus:
If you think you might have coronavirus or you've been in close contact with someone who has it:
stay at home and avoid close contact with other people
>> Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital
>> Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service to find out what to do next
>> The 111 coronavirus service will tell you if you need to continue to stay at home (self-isolate) or if you need medical help.
Treatment for coronavirus:
>> There is currently no specific treatment for coronavirus.
>> Antibiotics do not help, as they do not work against viruses.
>> Treatment aims to relieve the symptoms while your body fights the illness.
>> One need to stay in isolation away from other people until recovered.
