Advice on how to help reduce your chances of getting COVID-19 & what to do if you think you have symptoms
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which can cause disease in animals and humans. In humans, coronaviruses can cause mild respiratory infections, like the common cold, but can also lead to more serious illnesses, like Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
COVID-19 (coronavirus) is an illness caused by a newly discovered coronavirus, that can affect your lungs and airways. COVID-19 symptoms can range from very mild to severe. Some people may have only a few symptoms while some people may not have symptoms at all. COVID-19 (coronavirus) can make anyone seriously ill but, for some people, the risk is higher.
The COVID-19 virus is spread from person to person through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. It’s also possible to be infected by touching contaminated surfaces, which is why it’s very important to wash your hands regularly. Try not to touch your face, eyes or mouth with unwashed hands.
The main symptoms of COVID-19 (coronavirus) are:
• 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)
Although not everyone with coronavirus experiences symptoms, most people have at least one of these symptoms. Commonly, symptoms start to appear around five to six days after coming into contact with the virus. For a few people though, this can be as long as up to 14 days after.
• Get a test to check if you have COVID-19 as soon as possible
• You and anyone you live with must stay at home and self-isolate until you get your test result – only leave your home to have a test
• Anyone in your support bubble should also stay at home and self-isolate 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. Anyone you live with, and anyone in your support bubble (if you’ve been in close contact with them since your symptoms started or during the 48 hours before) must also self-isolate. Find out more about how long to self-isolate for here. You can also find more information on what your test results means here.
Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service if you’re worried about your symptoms or you’re not sure what to do. Call 111 if you can’t get help online. Don’t go to places like a GP surgery, hospital or pharmacy.
Everyone should do what they can to stop coronavirus spreading. Remember even if you don’t have symptoms, you can still spread the virus. 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 (three steps) away 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
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth if your hands aren’t clean