You may see Coronavirus being referred to as COVID-19. The symptoms are the same as we have previously reported which can include coughing, sneezing, high fever and shortness of breath. The symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common such as cold or flu.
The current evidence is that most cases appear to be mild, people who may be at increased risk include people diagnosed with weakened immune systems, older people and those with long term conditions diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease.
There are things you can do to help stop germs like coronavirus spreading:
· Always carry tissues with you and use them to catch your cough or sneeze. Then bin the tissue and wash your hands or use sanitiser gel.
· Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using public transport. Use a sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
· Avoid close contact with people who are unwell.
If you feel unwell and are concerned that you have a cough, fever or shortness of breath you should stay at home and contact 111, they are trained to advise you on what to do. You are advised not to attend your GP surgery.
In Scotland phone your GP or NHS 24 on 111 out of hours. If you are in Northern Ireland, call 0300 200 7885.
Please follow this advice even if your symptoms are minor.
Further information can be found on the NHS website here:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
Just as when you have the flu, individuals should remain at home and should not go to work, school or public areas. Where possible individuals should avoid having visitors to their home but it is ok for friends and family to drop off food. Individuals should not use public transport or taxis for 14 days after their return from the specific areas below.
Advice for travellers:
Category 1: Travellers should self-isolate, even if asymptomatic, and call NHS 111 to inform of recent travel.
Category 2: Travellers do not need to undertake any special measures, but if they develop symptoms they should self-isolate and call NHS 111.
The guidance for Italy, Iran, Daegu or Cheongdo (Republic of Korea), Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia and Vietnam applies to individuals who returned from these specific areas on or after 19 February 2020.
Category 1 countries/areas:
Wuhan city and Hubei Province (China, see map)
Iran
Daegu or Cheongdo (Republic of Korea, see map)
Hong Kong
Any Italian town under containment measures (see map)
Category 2 countries/areas:
Cambodia
China*
Hong Kong
Italy: North* (see map)
Japan
Laos
Macau
Malaysia
Myanmar
Republic of Korea*
Singapore
Taiwan
Thailand
Vietnam
(*Except areas of the country specifically referred to in Category 1.)
View updated advice here