Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways.
The symptoms of coronavirus are:
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.
Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. Call 112, stay indoors and avoid close contact with other people.
Tell 112 about any recent travel and any symptoms you have.
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. Viruses like coronavirus cannot live outside the body for very long.
There are things you can do to help stop viruses like coronavirus spreading.
Most people can continue to go to work, school and other public places.
You only need to stay away from public places if you've been:
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.
You'll need to stay in isolation away from other people until you've recovered.
Source: NHS UK
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.
Urgent advice:Call 112 now if you've been:
- to Wuhan or Hubei Province in China in the last 14 days (even if you do not have symptoms)
- to other parts of mainland China in the last 14 days and have a cough, high temperature or shortness of breath (even if it's mild)
- to Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia or Macau in the last 14 days and have a cough, high temperature or shortness of breath (even if it's mild)
- in close contact with someone with confirmed coronavirus
Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. Call 112, stay indoors and avoid close contact with other people.
Tell 112 about any recent travel and any symptoms you have.
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 or food. Viruses like coronavirus cannot live outside the body for very long.
How to avoid catching or spreading germs
There are things you can do to help stop viruses like coronavirus spreading.
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 immediately
- 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
- do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
Do I need to avoid public places?
Most people can continue to go to work, school and other public places.
You only need to stay away from public places if you've been:
- to Wuhan or Hubei province in China in the last 14 days
- to other parts of mainland China, Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia or Macau in the last 14 days and have possible symptoms of coronavirus
- in close contact with someone with confirmed coronavirus
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.
You'll need to stay in isolation away from other people until you've recovered.
Source: NHS UK
