Coronavirus Advice – Updated on 19th May 2020
Symptoms of coronavirus
The main symptoms of coronavirus are:
- a cough
- a high temperature
- shortness of breath
- loss of sense of taste or smell
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 coronavirus is 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 of food. Viruses like coronavirus cannot live outside the body for very long.
How to avoid catching or spreading germs?
Do:
- 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.
- Wash your hands with soap and water often – use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.
- Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell.
Don’t:
- Touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.
When to get medical help
NHS 111 has an online coronavirus service that can tell you if you need medical help and advise you what to do.
Click here to use the 111 coronavirus service
Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. Call 111 if you need to speak to someone.
How to self-isolate
If there’s a chance you could have coronavirus, you may be asked to stay away from other people (self-isolate).
- Anyone with symptoms should stay at home for at least 7 days.
- If you live with other people, they should stay at home for at least 14 days, to avoid spreading the infection outside the home.
- After 14 days, anyone you live with who does not have symptoms can return to their normal routine.
- But, if anyone in your home gets symptoms, they should stay at home for 7 days from the day their symptoms start. Even if it means they’re at home for longer than 14 days.
Coronavirus Self-isolation advice
Read more about Coronavius self-isolation advice
Further sources of information:
NHS Coronavirus information
UK Government Coronavirus information
World Health Organisation Myth Busters
UK Government Coronavirus Action Plan
