Urgent COVID-19 guidance for health professionals and the general public - Information correct as of 25th February 2020
These include guidance on the assessment and management of suspected UK cases, and specific guidance for social or community care and residential settings. The NHS website also has updated coronavirus pages, bringing guidance for the system and healthcare professionals in one place.
At this challenging time it is important that all health and social care providers continue to operate good hygiene and infection control practices, and we would ask that you check and monitor the official guidance from the NHS and PHE as the situation develops.
Overview - Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Contents
- Overview
- Advice for travellers
- Common questions
COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It's caused by a virus called coronavirus.
What's the risk of coronavirus in the UK?
The UK Chief Medical Officers have raised the risk to the public from low to moderate. Health professionals are working to contact anyone who has been in close contact with people who have coronavirus.
What's the risk of coronavirus for travellers?
There are some countries and areas where there's a higher chance of coming into contact with someone with coronavirus. See our coronavirus advice for travellers.
Symptoms of coronavirus
The symptoms of coronavirus are:
- a cough
- a high temperature
- shortness of breath
But 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.
How coronavirus is spread
Because it's a new illness, we do not know exactly how coronavirus spreads from person to person. Similar viruses are spread in cough droplets. It's very unlikely it can be spread through things like packages or food. Viruses like coronavirus cannot live outside the body for very long.
Do I need to avoid public places?
Most people can continue to go to work, school and other public places. You only need to stay away from public places (self-isolate) if advised to by the 111 online coronavirus service or a medical professional.
How to avoid catching or spreading germs
There are things you can do to help stop viruses like coronavirus spreading.
Do
- 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 immediately
- wash your hands with soap and water often – use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
- try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell
Don't
- do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
Check if you need medical help
NHS 111 has an online coronavirus service that can tell you if you need medical help and advise you what to do.
Use this service if:
- you think you might have coronavirus
- in the last 14 days you've been to a country or area with a high risk of coronavirus – see our coronavirus advice for travellers
- you've been in close contact with someone with coronavirus
Use the 111 coronavirus service
Information:
Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. Call 111 if you need to speak to someone.
How to self-isolate if you're asked to
If there's a chance you could have coronavirus, you may be asked to stay away from other people (self-isolate).
This means you should:
- stay at home
- not go to work, school or public places
- not use public transport or taxis
- ask friends, family members or delivery services to do errands for you
- try to avoid visitors to your home – it's OK for friends, family or delivery drivers to drop off food
You may need to do this for up to 14 days to help reduce the possible spread of infection.
Read more coronavirus self-isolation advice.
Treatment for coronavirus
There is currently no specific treatment for coronavirus.
Antibiotics do not help, as they do not work against viruses.
Treatment aims to relieve the symptoms while your body fights the illness.
You'll need to stay in isolation away from other people until you've recovered.
