COVID-19 is a new condition caused by the SARS-CoV-2 strain of the coronavirus, which spreads very easily from person-to-person. Nobody has existing immunity to it.
About 80% of people with COVID-19 get a relatively mild illness. The people most at risk of serious illness and death are the elderly and those with long-term medical conditions such as lung disease, kidney disease, heart disease and diabetes.
There is currently NO evidence that people living with HIV are more likely to catch COVID-19 than anyone else.
The symptoms of coronavirus are:
· A cough (New and continuous)
· A high temperature (You feel hot to the touch on your chest or back or 37.8°C or higher.)
· Shortness of breath
However, 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.
It’s estimated that perhaps as many as 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 have no symptoms but can still pass the virus on to others. This is why it’s essential we follow the Government’s Guidelines.
We all NEED to:
· Stay at Home– stop socialising face-to-face
· Stop all unnecessary travel
· Keep 2 metres away from other people when out
You should only leave the house for one of four reasons:
· Shopping for basic necessities– food and medicine– infrequent as possible
· One form of exercise– a walk, cycle, or run, Preferably alone or with members of your household
· Any medical need, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person
· Travelling to and from work, but only where this absolutely cannot be done from home.
To help protect yourself you can:
· Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
· If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least % alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they fell dry
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
If you have symptoms you need to STAY AT HOME for 7 days and self- isolate. If you live with others they should stay at home for days from the day the first person gets symptoms.
It’s important that you do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital if you have symptoms. Use the 111 online coronavirus service to find out what to do next.
If you fell you can’t cope with your symptoms at home, your condition gets worse, or your symptoms do not get better after 7 days, then call the NHS 111 Coronavirus Service.
Only call 111 if you cannot get help online
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