Novel Coronavirus

The Noval Coronavirus, everything you need to know.

Update from the UK Government 10/05/2020

• stay at home as much as possible
• work from home if you can
• limit contact with other people
• keep your distance if you go out (2 metres apart where possible)
• wash your hands regularly

For more updated government guidance on what you can/can’t do as of 10/05/2020 visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do

Kawasaki Syndrome in children, signs to look out for – https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/kawasaki-disease/

What is the Noval Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new virus from the coronavirus family that includes SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome).

Coronavirus are zoonotic (transmitted between animals and people) RNA virus and this one is thought to have started in a fish/animal market in China.

COVID-19 for most individuals causes mild to moderate illness, but in addition may result in pneumonia or severe acute respiratory infection.

• Anyone with a continuous cough OR fever (>37.8) must self isolate for 7 days (this includes children)
• Anyone with these symptoms who is WELL can just stay at home and does not need to ring 111 or be tested
• Anyone with these symptoms who is UNWELL should go to 111 online for advice, they must NOT go to the GP, 111 will assess and advise, but these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the virus.

Find out what to do using the NHS 111 online coronavirus service at https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19

To prevent further spread of infection it is important to:

• Wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds at a time to kill bacteria,
• Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing,
• Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.
• Put used tissues in the bin straight away and wash your hands afterwards.
• Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.
• Always wash your hands when you get home or into work
• Only travel on public transport if you need to
• Work from home, if you can
• Avoid social activities, such as going to pubs, restaurants, theatres and cinemas
• Avoid events with large groups of people
• Use phone, online services or apps to contact your GP surgery or other NHS services

Don’t:

• Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.
• Do not have visitors to your home, including friends and family

Please see the below link for guidance on social distancing for everyone in the UK and protecting older people and vulnerable adults. Information includes: what steps you can take to stay connected with family and friends during this time, how you can look after your mental wellbeing during this time, advice if you live with a vulnerable person and advice on how you can get assistance with foods and medicines if you have reduced social contacts. This Gov.uk guidance page also gives an easy, clear summary of advice in the form of a table for different ages and health conditions, after clicking the link please scroll down to view the useful table at the bottom of the page:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people/guidance-on-social-distancing-for-everyone-in-the-uk-and-protecting-older-people-and-vulnerable-adults

Advice to patients

If you are experiencing symptoms, however mild, please SELF ISOLATE at home and seek advice from NHS 111.

DO NOT visit your GP Surgery; this will increase the risk of infection to others.

If you suspect you may have COVID-19:

• Use the NHS111 online coronavirus service to find out what to do next (it’s a few simple questions and then tells you what to do!) https://111.nhs.uk/service/covid-19

• Or telephone NHS111 by dialling 111 which is free from a landline or mobile phone

• Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital

https://primarycarepathways.co.uk/ Patient resources for:

People with cancer 

People with Rheumatoid Arthritis 

Adults with anxiety 

Young people with anxiety 

Older people 

People with Heart/circulatory disease 

Children/young people T1 diabetes 

Pregnant women 

People affected by Stroke 

People with Diabetes 

People with Asthma 

Underlying lung disease (British Lung Foundation) 

Pituitary/ adrenal insufficiency (including steroid sick day rules) 

Resources and further information: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus

Advice for travellers: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/advice-for-travellers/

Common questions: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/common-questions/

NHS 111 website: https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19

Guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection

Resources to support remote working for patients: https://primarycarepathways.co.uk/testsite/docman/covid19/resources-to-support-remote-working-for-patients/56-guide-for-patients-to-prepare-to-have-video-consulation-with-thanks-to-egp-learning

Guidance from British society of Rheumatology about DMARDs: https://www.rheumatology.org.uk/News-Policy/Details/Covid19-Coronavirus-update-members