OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE – CORONAVIRUS
IF YOU DEVELOP
• A COUGH, FEVER, HIGH TEMPERATURE, OR
• NEW CONTINUOUS COUGH, OR
• A LOSS OF, OR CHANGE TO, YOUR SENSE OF SMELL OR TASTE
YOU MIGHT HAVE CORONAVIRUS.
PLEASE STAY AT HOME. PLEASE DO NOT COME TO SURGERY.
For general guidance in relation to coronavirus, use the NHS 111 on-line coronavirus service, or ring 111 if you cannot go online.
PLEASE CONTACT THE FRATER CLINIC IN RELATION TO:
• Other (non-coronavirus) medical issues
• Testing re coronavirus (see next section)
THE CLINIC IS CURRENTLY OFFERING CONSULTATIONS BY PHONE AND VIDEO FOR NON-CORONAVIRUS ILLNESSES and TESTING FOR CORONAVIRUS. TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT, PLEASE CALL 07801 925 724 OR EMAIL pa.thefraterclinic@gmail.com.
TESTING FOR CORONAVIRUS - from a fully accredited UK laboratory
Someone can be infected with, and carry, a coronavirus in their upper airways but do not show any symptoms of having the virus.
Two tests are now available as follows.
1 Where you have symptoms and want to find out if you have coronavirus: A swab (PCR) can be used to identify whether a patient's symptoms are those of coronavirus. A sample can be taken from between 1-5 days from onset of symptoms.
2. To find out if you have been previously infected with the virus: An Antibody test (Blood test) which can tell whether a person has been previously infected with the virus is now possible. However, the laboratory and self-collecting capillary blood test for Coronavirus antibody testing have temporarily been halted. The test is done 14 days or more following exposure to the virus or from 14 days after the onset of symptoms. (Patients must become registered with the clinic and have a consultation first).
NB Limitations and clinical interpretation
1. In common with all viral PCR asseys (tests), patients with very low viral loads are less likely to be detected. However, 'not detected' results do not necessarily mean that the patient is not infected with the Coronavirus and this result cannot be used as the sole basis for the treatment, management or public health decision for the patient. Indeed, whenever the result is negative but there is a strong clinical suspicion of an early infection with the virus, you may need to consider repeating the test 24-48 hours later, whenever possible. When received, test results will be interpreted in collaboration with a trained consultant physician taking into account the patient's history, clinical signs, symptoms and epidemiological risk factors.
2. We are unable to issue certificates relating to the results of a Covid-19 test. The reason is that a false negative or false positive test result is possible, even with the best of tests; and, frequently, patients have had repeated tests which have shown different outcomes.
WHAT IS CORONAVIRUS?
Novel coronavirus, officially named COVID-19 by WHO, is a new respiratory illness that has not previously been seen in humans and which was first identified in Wuhan City in China. Coronaviruses as a group, are common across the world, and cause symptoms including fever and a cough that may progress to a severe pneumonia causing breathing difficulties.
137,000 patients in the UK have tested positive for coronavirus and more than 35,000 of these have died (as at May 22 2020).
If you are concerned you might have coronavirus, please do not come to the surgery. This is official government advice.
HOW DO I SUSPECT CORONAVIRUS?
Please consider the following questions:
Q1. Have you got a fever? A high temperature (37.8°C or more if you have a thermometer)
Q2. Have you developed a new continuous cough? A persistent cough, with or without sputum, coming on within the last 2 weeks
Q3. Have you experienced A LOSS OF, OR CHANGE TO, YOUR SENSE OF SMELL OR TASTE (New)
If you answered YES to Q1,Q2 or Q3, you might have coronavirus.
SUSPECTED CORONAVIRUS - WHAT DO I DO?
If you think you have or might have coronavirus
• DO NOT BOOK AN APPOINTMENT,
• DO NOT COME TO SURGERY,
• USE THE NHS 111 ON-LINE CORONAVIRUS SERVICE, OR RING 111 IF YOU CANN GO ONLINE
• PLEASE STAY AT HOME.
Please self-isolate to prevent potential spread
• Stay at home
• Keep 2 metre away from others, especially the elderly and vulnerable, such as those with underlying health conditions
• Sleep alone if possible
• Do not use public transport or taxis
• Do not go to work, school or public places; this includes going out for long walks!
• Do not present yourself to any GP surgery or hospital without seeking advice first
• Follow this advice even if your symptoms are mild and you feel all right (remember this is for the benefit of others as well as yourself)
• You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you are staying at home
• Use the 111 coronavirus service if you develop symptoms or become unwell
• Ring 111 if you cannot go online but be prepared for a wait as it is very busy
• Ring 999 if you become very poorly and inform them of your symptoms
• Ask friends, family or delivery services to carry out errands on your behalf
• Avoid having visitors at home but it is OK for friends, family or delivery drivers to drop off food at the door • Follow all precautions to prevent spread of infection
• Follow official advice for self-isolation
Please do not come to the surgery
Do not come to surgery even if you cannot get through to 111 or are waiting a long time for a callback See "Why can't I come to surgery?" below
SCENARIOS - WHAT TO DO IN SPECIFIC SITUATIONS
This continues to be an emerging situation so here we apply current guidance and general medical advice to some scenarios that patients may come across
• I've developed viral symptoms
• Can't you just check me out?
• How do I treat my coronavirus infection?
• I'm self-isolating but getting worse
• I'm self-isolating as advised. What happens after 7 days?
• I'm not going to self-isolate, I feel fine
• I'm self-isolating so I need a sick note
• I need a GP letter because I've decided not to go on holiday now
• Isn't it just the flu?
• I've had contact with a confirmed case
• I've just come from an affected country
• 111 have told me to see you for an assessment
• How to access government testing for coronavirus
• I've had contact with a possible case or a traveller
I've developed viral symptoms
• If you have a fever, cough or loss of change to your sense of taste or smell, then you should self-isolate for 7 days.
• If you do develop viral symptoms, you could have a viral illness like flu, a flu-like illness or coronavirus.
• You do not automatically need to call or see a GP just because you have a viral illness.
• There is no specific cure for viral illnesses like flu, or for coronavirus for that matter. Any treatment aims to relieve symptoms only, which for a viral illness includes rest, paracetamol and plenty of fluids - please follow NHS advice.
• Follow advice if you are getting worse.
• Follow official advice for self-isolation.
• Follow precautions to prevent spread of infection.
• See "Why can't I come to surgery?", below.
• Next time, please consider having a flu jab if you are eligible.
Can't you just check me out?
• If you have a fever or cough, then you should self-isolate for 7 days.
• Your GP cannot 'check you' and tell you if it definitely is coronavirus or not and your GP does not have any access to testing.
• Given significant community spread of coronavirus, you might well have it if you develop the above symptoms. It is therefore very important that you self-isolate to prevent further spread of infection. This is to protect yourself and others. Please do not come to surgery.
• There is no specific treatment for coronavirus, antibiotics do not help.
• Follow advice if you are getting worse.
• Follow official advice for self-isolation.
• Follow precautions to prevent spread of infection.
• See "Why can't I come to surgery?" below.
• Next time, please consider having a flu jab if you are eligible.
How do I treat my coronavirus infection?
• If you are a confirmed case of coronavirus, you might be transferred to and cared for in a specialist centre, or if your symptoms are mild, you might be advised to self-isolate at home, either by Public Health or 111.
• You may have fever, cough or breathlessness or general viral symptoms or only mild or even no symptoms.
• There is no specific cure for coronavirus. Any treatment aims to relieve symptoms only, which for a viral illness includes rest, paracetamol and plenty of fluids - please follow NHS advice.
• There is no vaccine yet available.
• Follow advice if you are getting worse.
• Ring 111 if you develop symptoms or become unwell.
• Follow official advice for self-isolation.
• Follow precautions to prevent spread of infection.
I'm self-isolating but getting worse
Use the 111 coronavirus service or ring 111 if you cannot go online:
• If you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home
• If your condition gets worse
• If your symptoms do not get better after 7 days
Example of getting worse might be:
• You become so short of breath that you cannot climb stairs
• You cannot finish speaking a sentence
• You have stopped doing all the things you usually do
Ring 999 if you are very poorly, and inform them of your symptoms and that you are self-isolating.
Need more advice?
• Anybody can use the 111 coronavirus serviceto find out what to do next. Please do not come to surgery.
• Follow official advice for self-isolation.
• Follow precautions to prevent spread of infection.
• See "Why can't I come to surgery?" below.
I'm self-isolating as advised, what happens after 7 days?
• After 7 days, if you feel better and no longer have a high temperature, you can return to normal activity.
• You may still have a cough for some weeks after; this is normal.
• If you do not get any better, continue to self-isolate and use the 111 coronavirus service. Please do not come to the surgery.
Need more advice?
• Anybody can use the 111 coronavirus serviceto find out what to do next. Please do not come to surgery.
• Follow official advice for self-isolation.
• Follow precautions to prevent spread of infection.
• See "Why can't I come to surgery?" below.
I'm not going to self-isolate, I feel fine
If you have a fever or cough or a change in, or loss of, sense of smell or taste, then you should self-isolate for 7 days.
Whilst in yourself, you might feel not too bad, and wonder what the fuss is about, a significant proportion of those who get coronavirus will have severe disease and a good number will need intensive or critical care.
It is therefore vital to self-isolate so that you do not spread infection to others in the community, some of whom might be quite vulnerable:
• Your family, including grandparents
• Your friends
• Your work colleagues
• The elderly
• Those with significant medical conditions
Self-isolation means exactly that, you must not leave your home. Please do not come to surgery.
Patients should be aware that under new emergency legislation the Police have the power to detain people infected or possibly infected with coronavirus.
Need more advice?
• Anybody can use the 111 coronavirus serviceto find out what to do next. Please do not come to surgery.
• Follow official advice for self-isolation.
• Follow precautions to prevent spread of infection.
• See Why can't I come to surgery? below.
I'm self-isolating so I need a sick note
In a situation such as this, self-isolation would be advised officially by 111 or Public Health for contact with a confirmed case, or a suspected case, or whilst awaiting results of a coronavirus test.
By law, a doctor's fit note (sick note or MED 3) is not required for the first 7 days of sickness absence.
After 7 days, a doctor's note may be required - it is actually for the employer to determine what evidence is required, if any, which may or may not be a doctor's note.
The government strongly suggests that employers use their discretion around the need for medical evidence for a period of absence where an employee is advised to self-isolate in accordance with Public Health advice being issued by the government.
This means that a doctor's note will not necessarily be required.
Emergency legislation is being brought in to allow employees to claim statutory sick pay from the first day off work in order to help contain coronavirus.
Check official guidance for employers and businesses for more information.
Follow official advice for self-isolation.
Follow precautions to prevent spread of infection.
I need a GP letter because I've decided not to go on holiday now
If you have changed your mind and decided not to go on holiday, you do not need a letter from the GP.
Insurers and travel companies should be basing their decisions to offer refunds on advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Public Health England, not letters from GPs. Professor Martin Marshall, chair of the Royal College of GPs
Check official foreign travel advice regarding coronavirus and official foreign travel advice by country.
We are happy to complete travel cancellation forms if we have been attending you for medical conditions for which we have advised that you cancel or postpone your holiday. We will not write a letter for any other reason.
Please do not book an appointment to request such a letter from us.
Five things you can do to protect yourself and your community
Practical things you can do to help
Keep up with updates on coronavirus with the links below or follow this page. We will try to keep this page regularly updated with the changing guidance, as long as we've not been taken ill by someone infecting us.
We will aim to keep this page regularly updated with the changing guidance, as long as we've not been taken out by someone infecting us, so please do not come to surgery if you have it.
Isn't it just the flu? Why the big fuss?
Coronavirus is definitely NOT just the flu. The key issue is that in a significant proportion of people affected, it causes severe illness, and these patients will then require intensive care. There is then a risk that even advanced healthcare systems are overwhelmed by lots of very sick people all at the same time.
The following links might be useful:
RENTRY: Covid-19 is not like the flu
TWITTER: I think most people aren’t aware of the risk of systemic healthcare failure
MEDIUM: Forget about mortality rate, this is why you should be worried about coronavirus
TWITTER: I may be repeating myself, but I want to fight this sense of security that I see outside of the epicenters, as if nothing was going to happen "here"
FLATTENTHECURVE: practical things you can do to help
I've had contact with a confirmed case
If you have been in contact with someone with coronavirus and you are feeling unwell with a fever, cough or shortness of breath, then you should self-isolate and use the 111 coronavirus service or ring 111 if you cannot go online.
Contact with a confirmed case is defined as:
• Living in the same household as a confirmed case
• Had direct contact with the confirmed case or their body fluids
• Had direct or face to face contact with a confirmed case, for any length of time
• Been within 2 metres of a confirmed case for longer than 15 minutes
• Been advised by a public health agency that contact with a confirmed case has occurred
Need more advice?
• Anybody can use the 111 coronavirus service to find out what to do next. Please do not come to surgery.
• Follow official advice for self-isolation.
• Follow precautions to prevent spread of infection.
• See "Why can't I come to surgery?" below.
I've just come from an affected country
If you have returned from an affected area and you are feeling unwell with a fever, cough or shortness of breath, then you should self-isolate and use the 111 coronavirus service or ring 111 if you cannot go online.
Need more advice?
• Anybody can use the 111 coronavirus serviceto find out what to do next. Please do not come to surgery.
• Follow official advice for self-isolation.
• Follow precautions to prevent spread of infection.
• See "Why can't I come to surgery?" below.
111 have told me to see you for assessment
There are repeated reports of 111 incorrectly advising patients with suspected coronavirus to see their GP for assessment for coronavirus.
It is the responsibility of 111 to assess risk and advise on and arrange appropriate transfer for formal assessment as necessary. GPs are not to be involved in any face-to-face assessment of suspected cases.
Please ring 111 back and seek further clarification and guidance. Ask to speak to a senior clinical advisor. Please do not book an appointment, please do not come to surgery
Alternatively, you can use the 111 coronavirus service .
If you continue to have difficulty, please contact the local PHE [Public Health England] department: Find your local health protection team.
See "Why can't I come to surgery?", below.
How to access government testing for coronavirus
Tests also available at gov.uk/coronavirus if you or anyone in your household has symptoms.
THIS APPLIES TO:
1. Essential Workers
2. Anyone who must leave home for work
3. People over 65
If you continue to have difficulty, please contact the local PHE department. Find your local health protection team.
I've had contact with a possible case or a traveller
If you have a fever or cough, loss or change in taste or smell, then you should self-isolate for 7 days.
Need more advice?
• Anybody can use the 111 coronavirus serviceto find out what to do next. Please do not come to surgery.
• Follow official advice for self-isolation.
• Follow precautions to prevent spread of infection.
• See "Why can't I come to surgery?" below.
HOW DO I PREVENT SPREAD?
The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus
Most of the following is good practice for everyone, to reduce infection risk in general
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds each time or use an alcohol-based hand gel if your hands are not visibly dirty
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Maintain at least 2 metre (6 feet) distance between yourself and other people
• Catch it, Bin it, Kill it - cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue (or your flexed elbow), then throw the tissue in a bin
• Clean and disinfect regularly touched objects and surfaces at home and work
If you feel unwell, stay at home.
Do not go to the surgery, hospital or any other healthcare place without seeking advice first
WHY CAN'T I COME TO SURGERY?
WE ARE NOT EQUIPPED TO HANDLE CORONAVIRUS
Coronavirus is classed as an 'airborne high consequence infectious disease'.
On January 30, 2020, the British government raised the risk level to moderate.
On January 31, 2020, WHO declared coronavirus as a 'public health emergency of international concern'.
On February 10, 2020, the British government declared coronavirus a 'serious and imminent threat to public health'.
On March 3, 2020, NHS England declared coronavirus a level 4 incident - the highest level of emergency preparedness planning.
On March 11, 2020, WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.
On March 12, 2020, the British government raised the risk level to high and described the outbreak as the 'worst public health crisis for a generation'.
By turning up at surgery, you risk the building being placed into a state of lockdown and you will be putting yourself and others at risk. This cannot be stressed enough!
PLEASE DO NOT COME TO SURGERY.
PLEASE use the 111 coronavirus service OR ring 111 .
MYTHBUSTERS
Can I get coronavirus from a Chinese takeaway? NO, YOU CAN'T The food is cooked in a Chinese style, with ingredients that will not be from China!
Will wearing masks stop you from catching coronavirus? NO, THEY WON'T. However, you may protect others from catching it from you if you are a carrier but without any symptoms. You will need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with suspected coronavirus infection. Masks can be helpful if you are coughing or sneezing (to avoid infecting others). If you wear a mask, it must be changed when damp from breathing, usually after 20-30 minutes.
N.B You can wear homemade face coverings whilst out of the home.
Does the death rate of 1-2% mean that coronavirus is less deadly than other outbreaks like SARS? NO, IT DOESN'T. As it is a new virus, it is too early to tell what will happen, as the virus might mutate into a more deadly form as it spreads, hence why precautions are being taken worldwide to prevent further spread.
Is Coronavirus like 'normal' flu? Yes, we know flu kills hundreds of thousands of people every year, so it is inevitable that comparisons will be made, perspective will be called for and natural downplaying of the potential severity of coronavirus will occur, even amongst experienced health professionals; however, this is an emerging condition and not to be casually dismissed; what is known so far, even in these earliest stages is that it appears coronavirus is highly contagious; spread even through normal tidal breathing; infected persons are infectious well before symptoms, even as early as 12-24 hours after infection; incubation periods are long, overall this means infected people are up and mobile and pose much higher risk to others leading to widespread infection; has an official death rate of 3.4% according to WHO, which is about 35-70 times higher than flu (0.05-0.1%); whilst reassuringly 80% have mild illness, a significant 20% are critically ill needing intensive care, patients are ill for a longer time, 3 to 4 weeks or more, and appear to recover then can deteriorate later on in their illness due to multiple organ failure; it affects young healthy people too; there is currently no vaccine; all of humanity has no immunity; given all of this it is therefore vital that coronavirus be contained to avoid huge numbers of fatalities due to already overstretched health services and some abroad being completely overwhelmed, so no, it's not just normal flu - more here
Can antibiotics work against coronavirus? NO, THEY DON'T Antibiotics only work against bacteria
Can herbal remedies work against coronavirus? NO, THEY DON'T There is no evidence that any such treatments work - there is no current treatment or vaccine for coronavirus
Coronavirus update
Anyone can spread Coronavirus.
The only reasons to leave home are:
• To shop for basic necessities or pick up medicine,
• to travel to work when you absolutely cannot work from home,
• to exercise, alone or with members of your household.
You can now sit in parks, sunbathe or have a picnic, and meet one other person who is not from your household, provided social distancing is put in place.
CORONAVIRUS: STAY ALERT. CONTROL THE VIRUS. SAVE LIVES
Everyone must stay at home as much as possible to help stop the spread of coronavirus.
10 tips to help if you are worried about coronavirus
The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak may cause you to feel anxious, stressed, worried, sad, helpless, overwhelmed, confused or angry. It's important to remember it is OK to feel this way and that everyone reacts differently to different events.
There are some simple things you can do to help you take care of your mental health and wellbeing during times of uncertainty – and doing so will help you think clearly and make sure you are able to look after yourself and those you care about.
Here are 10 ways you can help improve your mental health and wellbeing if you are worried or anxious about the coronavirus outbreak. For specific tips and advice if you are staying at home, read our advice on maintaining your mental wellbeing while staying at home.
It is important to follow the social distancing and stay at home guidancewhen it comes to seeing and being around others.
Remember that feeling anxious can cause physical effects that could be confused with symptoms of coronavirus, like feeling hot or short of breath, which could in turn lead to more worry.
If this happens, first try to distract yourself by thinking about or doing other things. When you are feeling more at ease, see if you still have the signs you were concerned about.
1. Stick to the facts
Find a source you trust – such as GOV.UK or the NHS website– for information about risks so you can take sensible precautions.
Fact-check information from the news, social media or other people against trustworthy sources so you can make sure not to share information that could cause worry or lead people to do things that are unhelpful.
You might also want to consider limiting the time you spend watching, reading or listening to coverage of the outbreak, including on social media, and think about turning off breaking-news alerts on your phone. You could set yourself a specific time to read updates or limit yourself to a couple of checks a day. NHS information on coronavirus
2. Connect with people
Maintaining healthy relationships with people we trust is important for our mental wellbeing.
Whether over the phone, via messages or online, talking to others can help you develop a balanced view of the situation and make you both feel better, so do try to keep up.
Remember, it is really important to follow the social distancing and stay at home guidance when it comes to see and being around others.
Watch: Social connection
3. Talk about your worries
It's normal to feel a bit worried, scared or helpless about the current situation. Remember: it is OK to share your concerns with others you trust – and doing so may help them too.
If you cannot speak to someone you know or if doing so has not helped, there are plenty of helplines you can try instead. NHS-recommended helplines
4. Support and help others
Helping someone else can benefit you as well as them, so try to be a little more understanding of other people's concerns, worries or behaviours at this time.
Try to think of things you can do to help those around you. Is there a friend or family member nearby you could message? Are there any community groups you could join to support others locally?
Remember, it is important to do this in line with official coronavirus guidance to keep everyone safe Helping others
5. Make a plan
Thinking and planning ahead for if you need to stay at home should help you feel more prepared and less concerned. Think through a normal week: how might it be affected and what would you need to do to solve it?
Remember, it's really important to follow the social distancing and stay at home guidance when it comes to seeing and being around others.
You might want to think about talking with your employer, understanding your sick pay and benefits rights, and preparing some essentials for while you are at home. Try to remember this disruption should only be for a short time. GOV.UK: Coronavirus support
6. Look after your body
Our physical health has a big impact on how we feel. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, drink enough water and exercise regularly.
Avoid smoking or drugs, and try not to drink too much alcohol. It can be easy to fall into unhealthy patterns of behaviour that end up making you feel worse. Try a home workout
7. Stay on top of difficult feelings
Concern about the coronavirus outbreak is perfectly normal. However, some people may experience intense anxiety that can affect their daily life.
Try to focus on the things you can control, such as your behaviour, who you speak to, and where and how often you get information.
It's fine to acknowledge that some things are outside of your control, but if constant thoughts about coronavirus are making you feel anxious or overwhelmed, try some ideas to help manage your anxietyor listen to an audio guide. NHS audio guides
8. Do things you enjoy
If we're feeling worried, anxious or low, we might stop doing things we usually enjoy. Focusing on your favourite hobby, learning something new or simply taking time to relax with others will help with anxious thoughts and feelings.
Try to make an active effort to do things you like.
Watch: Keep learning
9. Focus on the present
Focusing on the present, rather than worrying about the future, can help with difficult emotions and improve our wellbeing. Relaxation techniquescan also help some people deal with feelings of anxiety.
Watch: Mindful breathing
10. Look after your sleep
Good-quality sleep makes a big difference to how we feel mentally and physically, so it's important to get enough. Try to keep a regular sleeping pattern and follow good sleep practices. Tips to improve your sleep
Further support and advice
Information about coronavirus
NHS pages on coronavirus
Mind: Coronavirus and your wellbeing
Young Minds: Guidance for parents
Government response to coronavirus
Mental health helplines
If you are concerned about yourself or someone else and feel like you need to speak to someone, there are plenty of helplines and support groups who can help. Some are available 24/7.
See NHS-recommended helplines
Urgent support
If you cannot wait to see a doctor and feel unable to cope or keep yourself safe, it's important to get support. Get urgent support now
WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFO?
Scan these codes with your phone camera (or just click them) for quick access to info
111 online coronavirus
NHS: coronavirus advice
GOV.UK latest info
GOV.UK all primary care guidance
You might find these pages helpful:
Official advice for the public
NHS: Coronavirus
NHS: 111 online coronavirus service
111.nhs.uk/covid-19
GOV.UK: Coronavirus latest info and advice (including figures)
GOV.UK: Advice for self-isolation
GOV.UK: Guidance for schools
PHE: 5 things you can do to protect yourself and your community
GOV.UK: Guidance for employers and businesses
WHO: Coronavirus advice for public
OTHER GENERAL ADVICE
Reducing the spread of infection in your home
While you're staying at home, you should:
- Wash your hands with soap and water often, for at least 20 seconds.
- Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.
- 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 straight away and wash your hands.
- Afterwards, clean objects and surfaces you touch often (like door handles, kettles and phones) using your regular cleaning products
Looking after your health and wellbeing
To help yourself stay well while you're at home:
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated – drink enough so your pee is pale and clear.
Take paracetamol to help ease your symptoms if in pain.
Stay in touch with family and friends over the phone or on social media.
To help you avoid feeling low or lonely try to keep yourself busy – you could try activities like cooking, reading, online learning and watching films. Do light exercise, if you feel well enough to.
There is advice about how to look after your mental wellbeing while staying at home from Every Mind Matters.
Ibuprofen
There is currently no strong evidence that ibuprofen can make coronavirus (COVID-19) worse.
But until we have more information, take paracetamol to treat the symptoms of coronavirus, unless your doctor has told you paracetamol is not suitable for you.
If you are already taking ibuprofen or another non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) on the advice of a doctor, do not stop taking it without checking first.
What to do if you need medical help if you have to stay at home
If you get symptoms not related to coronavirus and need medical help:
Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital if it's not an emergency, use the NHS 111 online service
Call 111 if you cannot get help online
If it's an emergency, call 999 – tell the call handler you may have coronavirus
Cancel all routine face-to-face medical and dental appointments while you're staying at home. You may be able to do some appointments over the phone.
Urgent advice: Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service if: you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home your condition gets worse Use the 111 coronavirus service
Only call 111 if you cannot get help online.
Information:
Read more advice about staying at home on GOV.UK.
Disclaimer: We have taken every precaution in making sure that the information contained in these documents is accurate. The nature of the information provided is for your general information only and has been taken from the government website. The situation can change at any time but we will try our best to update the information
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