Coronavirus FAQ’s
This page provides you with the answers to frequently asked questions regarding the COVID-19 disease.
The information on this page has been sourced from the UK Government, National Health Service (NHS) and World Health Organisation (WHO) and is correct at the date of publication (02-04-20).
What is the Coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases, such as SARS.
The current pandemic has been caused by COVID-19—a new strain, which has affected most countries around the world.
What are the major symptoms of Coronavirus?
The symptoms are:
- A new, continuous cough
- A high temperature
- Shortness of breath
Not all people affected will have all these symptoms, and it’s important to remember that they don’t guarantee that you’re infected—these symptoms are similar to cold and flu.
How is Coronavirus spread?
As COVID-19 is a novel virus, the way it spreads isn’t fully understood. But from what we know, it’s most likely spread through:
- Direct contact with a person while they’re infectious
- Contact with airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes
- Touching objects or surfaces that were contaminated by airborne droplets, then touching your own mouth or face
What precautions can I take to stop the spread?
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Make sure that you wash your palms, fronts of hands and thumbs
- Wash your hands when you get into work, after travelling on public transport, when you arrive home and before eating in addition to standard hygiene practices
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser if soap and water are unavailable
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your upper sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
- Put your tissue in the bin straight away and wash your hands afterwards
- Stay away from unwell people
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands aren’t clean
- If working in a hot-desking environment, then the use of antimicrobial wipes for surfaces such as keyboards and phones can be helpful to clean surfaces
What should I do if I experience symptoms?
This advice is for people with symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), including those with a diagnosis of coronavirus (COVID-19) infection, who must remain at home until they are well.
The main messages are:
- If you have symptoms of coronavirus infection (COVID-19), self-isolate in accordance with government advice. This action will help protect others in your community while you are infectious
- Plan ahead and ask others for help to ensure you can successfully stay at home
- Ask your employer, friends and family to help you to get the things you need to stay at home
- Stay at least 2 metres (about 3 steps) away from other people in your home whenever possible
- Sleep alone, if possible
- Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds, each time using soap and water
- Stay away from vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions, as much as possible
You do not need to call NHS 111 to go into self-isolation. If your symptoms worsen during home isolation or are no better after 7 days, contact NHS 111 online. If you have no internet access, call NHS 111. For a medical emergency dial 999.
Should I stay at home?
You should self-isolate by staying at home in accordance with government advice if you have either:
- A new, continuous cough
- A high temperature
Don’t go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. You don’t need to contact 111 to tell them about your self-isolation.
What can I do to help myself get better?
If you catch the virus, drink water to keep yourself hydrated—you should drink enough during the day so your urine is a pale clear colour.
You can use over-the-counter medications, such as paracetamol, to help with some of your symptoms, such as fever. Use these according to the instructions on the packet or label and do not exceed the recommended dose. For many people the symptoms are similar to a heavy flu. If you cannot cope with your symptoms, call 111.
When should I call 111?
You should only call 111 if you can’t use the online Coronavirus service. You should use the online service if:
- You feel you can’t cope with your symptoms at home
- Your condition gets worse
- Your symptoms don’t get better after 7 days
Should I be worried about COVID-19?
For the majority, COVID-19 infection is mild. But for the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions, it can cause serious illness. It’s natural to be a little worried.
We can channel that worry positively, though. By keeping a good hand-washing and respiratory hygiene regime—and encouraging that in others—we can minimise the risks to others and slow down the spread of the virus.
Stay informed and follow the advice of the local health authorities including any restrictions put in place on travel, movement and gatherings.
Should I wear a facemask?
Public Health England doesn’t recommend the use of facemasks as an effective means of preventing the spread of infection.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends the following :
- If you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with suspected 2019-nCoV infection.
- Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.
- Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
- If you wear a mask, then you must know how to use it and dispose of it properly
- If you receive external care you may be asked to wear a mask to minimise the risk to your carer.
If I, or someone I know is pregnant, do I need to take additional precautions?
No. But it is important to follow the precautions outlined.
Please contact NHS 111 if you have concerns.
Where can I find further information?
You can find more information and advice on the following websites:
Sources: The information on this page has been sourced from the UK Government, National Health Service (NHS) and World Health Organisation (WHO) and is correct at the date of publication (02-04-20).
