CORONA VIRUS
These are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).
How
COVID-19 Spreads
Person-to-person
spread
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
- Between
people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- Through
respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are
nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
Can
someone spread the virus without being sick?
- People
are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the
sickest).
- Some
spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports
of this occurring with this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be
the main way the virus spreads.
Spread
from contact with contaminated surfaces or objects
It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a
surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth,
nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the
virus spreads.
Watch for symptoms
Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe
illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.
The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after
exposure.*
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness
of breath
What to do if you have symptoms
Stay at home for 7
days if you have either:
·
a high temperature
·
a new continuous cough
if you live with
other people, they should stay at home for 14 days from the day the first
person got symptoms.
This will help to
protect others in your community while you are infectious.
Do not go to a GP
surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
You do not need to
contact NHS 111 to tell them you’re staying at home.
Testing for
coronavirus is not needed if you’re staying at home.
