What is coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is an illness that can affect your lungs and airways. The symptoms can vary from person to person, from mild to very severe symptoms. The symptoms can make anyone seriously ill, but for some people it can pose a higher risk.
What are the symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19)?
The main symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are:
• A high temperature – you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
• A new, continuous cough – this means coughing for a lot more than an hour. Usually three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you already have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
• A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you’ve noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal
Most people with coronavirus will have at least one of these symptoms.
What to do if you have symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19)
If you have any of the main symptoms of coronavirus:
• Get a test to check if you have coronavirus as soon as possible – Stay at home and self-isolate until you get your test result
• You and anyone you live with should stay at home and not have visitors until you get your test result – only leave your home to have a test.
• Anyone in your support bubble should also stay at home if you have been in close contact with them since your symptoms started or during the 48 hours before they started.
If your test result is positive you must self-isolate immediately.
• If you had a test because you had symptoms, self-isolate for at least 10 days from when your symptoms started.
• If you had a test but have not had symptoms, self-isolate for 10 days from when you had the test.
For more information about what you, anyone you live with and anyone in your support bubble need to do, see how long to self-isolate.
What can I do to avoid spreading the infection?
You can spread the virus even if you do not have symptoms. Try not to touch your face, eyes or mouth with unwashed hands.
Everyone should do what they can to stop coronavirus spreading. You can help prevent the spread of infection and avoid being exposed to coronavirus by doing the following:
• Try to stay at least two metres away (3 steps) from anyone you don’t live with (or anyone not in your support bubble)
• Wash your hands with soap and water often – for at least 20 seconds each time
• Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
• Wash your hands as soon as you get home
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth if your hands aren’t clean
• 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 and wash your hands afterwards
Are there any treatments for Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
There is currently no specific treatment for coronavirus, but you can often ease the symptoms at home until you recover.
Treating a high temperature
• Get lots of rest
• Drink plenty of fluids (water is best) to avoid dehydration
• Take paracetamol or ibuprofen if you feel uncomfortable and if these are suitable for you. Always read the patient information leaflet first and follow the instructions on the packaging.
There have been some news reports of anti-inflammatory painkillers, such as ibuprofen, making coronavirus worse. The Commission on Human Medicines has now confirmed there is no clear evidence that using ibuprofen to treat symptoms such as a high temperature makes coronavirus worse.
Treating a cough
• Avoid lying on your back
• Get lots of rest
• Drink plenty of fluids (water is best) to avoid dehydration
• Try hot lemon and honey (not suitable for babies under one year old)
• You may also want to try cough syrups or cough sweets. These will not stop your cough but may help you cough less
If you or someone you live with has coronavirus symptoms, you must all stay at home. Do not come into the pharmacy. You can call us or use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service if you’re worried about your symptoms or you’re not sure what to do.
Where can I get more information on coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Click here for the latest government information on coronavirus.
For advice on travelling abroad, check out the latest government foreign travel advice.
Please like and follow our social media pages to keep up to date with the latest government information.
What are we doing in the pharmacy to keep you and us safe?
Until further notice, we are limiting the number of people in the Pharmacy at any time – currently this is 2 people in the retail branch at any one time. This is to minimise the risk of Coronavirus for both patients and staff, as well as to comply with social distancing.
Delivery of Medication – Please be patient with us when it comes to having medicines delivered.
Only request this service if you genuinely need it or if you are unable to have anyone collect it on your behalf. If you can send a family member, a friend or even a neighbour to pick up on your behalf – that would be best.
*Anyone collecting will need a valid ID.
