For current advice around COVID-19, please access the relevant NHS information on coronavirus. Learn about the government response to coronavirus on GOV.UK.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) – the virus that has got us all talking…
With recent reports from England’s Chief Medical Officer, the UK continues to see a rise in those testing positive for Coronavirus.
At the start of the outbreak, we reached out to our GP 24/7 provider to share some information on what Coronavirus really is, and how you can recognise it.
Here’s what they said, let’s take a read…
“Coronavirus belongs to a family of viruses that cause a variety of illnesses from the common cold to severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
Recently, a new kind of coronavirus, known as 2019-nCov, was identified as the cause of various cases of pneumonia in Wuhan City, Hubei Province of China. 2019-nCoV is a new respiratory illness that has not previously been seen in humans, and it has become a concern because the origin and the exact conditions of its spreading are still unknown.
Precautionary measures
Despite the spread of the virus, the risk of getting coronavirus in the UK is low. However, you should take precautionary measures and follow the latest advice from the WHO and NHS.
In certain circumstances, even if you don’t have any symptoms, NHS advise to stay indoors and avoid contact with other people as the incubation period is believed to be around two weeks. Also, you must call 111 to tell them of your recent travel to any of the identified high-risk areas.
How to recognise it?
The main symptoms of coronavirus are like those of a bad cold or the flu, which can make diagnoses difficult. They include:
- feeling tired
- difficulty breathing
- a high temperature
- a cough
If you have any of these symptoms, don’t panic. According to Prof Chris Whitty, chief medical officer of England, the NHS was ‘well-prepared for managing infections’ and quickly identify any contacts the patients had to prevent further spread.
The Chief Medical Officer of England also explains that, based on current information, there are high chances of infected people getting better and that many people will end up with a relatively minor disease.
What will Medical Solutions be doing?
Medical Solutions is prepared to help patients who may have been infected by the novel coronavirus. All our doctors have received the latest advice and guidance from Public Health England and Health Protection and Surveillance Centre in Ireland. In the case of patients who have recently travelled to China or feel they may have been exposed to the virus, can call in to use our service and our doctors will be ready to help.
Our call handlers will need as much information as possible about the patient’s current condition and recent history to help our GPs to diagnose and advise.”
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Thanks to Medical Solutions for sharing your guidance and providing us with information about the virus – I’m sure many of our readers will find this guide useful 😊
If you are experiencing possible flu-like symptoms, please seek professional medical advice through the 111 service – 111.nhs.uk/covid-19.
For current advice around COVID-19, please access the relevant NHS information on coronavirus. Learn about the government response to coronavirus on GOV.UK.