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.
