There have now been two cases of coronavirus confirmed in the UK. Because the people we care for are at the most risk (especially the old and those with weakened immune symptoms) here is some advice on how to spot the symptoms, protect yourself and those you care for and also what to do if you’re concerned you may have been in contact with someone who is infected…
What are the symptoms of coronavirus?
Early symptoms include a fever, diarrhoea, a dry cough, shortness of breath and general body aches. Some patients also reported confusion and fatigue and in severe cases, coronavirus can cause a very high fever, kidney failure and pneumonia.
How does coronavirus spread and how can you protect yourself?
This kind of virus is typically spread through the air when infected people cough or sneeze, or through close personal contact such as shaking hands. It’s also possible to be infected by touching an object or surface with the virus on it and then touching your face before washing your hands.
To protect yourself, you should:
- wash your hands frequently
- avoid touching your face
- be more vigilant about not touching surfaces in public places
What is the NHS advice?
If you have recently travelled to a high-risk area – or if you’ve been in contact with somebody who has – and you develop symptoms, you should contact NHS 111 for advice.
You should not go to the doctor or to hospital, as if you have the virus, you may risk spreading it to others.
The NHS is asking anybody who has recently travelled to Wuhan to self-quarantine themselves for 14 days.