Thats exactly what it looks like! This microscopic fury ball has bought the entire world to a standstill. Its unassuming looks are very deceiving indeed, to date it has killed just over 30,000 people and there are clear signs that it's not slowing down.
Where has it come from?
The Coronavirus is a virus that is circulated amongst animals however some of the viruses can also infect humans. Bats host the coronavirus naturally however other animals such as camels and civet cats can host the virus.
How is the Coronavirus spread?
Although animals are the main source of spread, it is being spread now from person to person. There is not enough information to tell us about how easily it spreads but the general consensus is that if one person has it they could infect two or three more. It is spread from person to person via respiratory droplets from sneezes and coughs. The virus can survive on surfaces for several hours so door handles, tables and doors are ideal places for person to person transmission.
Symptoms of Coronavirus
The virus can cause mild flu like symptoms which include
- Cough
- Fever
- Muscle pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Tiredness
The severe cases of the Coronavirus develop severe pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis and septic shock that can eventually lead to death.
Patients that are at high risk include:
- Elderly People
- If you have had an organ transplant
- If you have had certain types of cancer treatment
- Have a severe lung condition
- Have bone marrow cancer
- Have a condition that makes you more likely to get infections.
- Taking medication that weakens your immune system
- Are pregnant and have a serious heart condition.
How to avoid getting the Coronavirus?
The Coronavirus enters the body via the eyes, nose and or mouth. Do not touch your face without washing your hands.
Washing your hands with soap and water for twenty seconds (singing happy birthday twice). You can use alcohol based wipes, solutions and gels to also wipe the hands.
Avoid contact with people that have the coronavirus, but if that can not be helped then stay one metre or more away from the infected person.
You can use surgical face masks as it reduces the risk of infecting other people however there is no evidence to show that face masks effectively protect you from infection.
There is currently no vaccine for the coronavirus, so its very important to follow the governments advice.
Self-isolation helps stop coronavirus spreading
Health and well being and its importance
- Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated
- Take Paracetamol (Pharmacykwik have plenty in stock)
- Stay in touch with family and friends
- keep yourself busy
- light exercise is good but only if you feel well enough
Does ibuprofen work against the Coronavirus?
Currently there is no evidence that states that ibuprofen makes coronavirus worse, however it is recommended that Paracetamol is taken to treat the symptoms of the coronavirus (Please always consult your Doctor or pharmacist to see if taking paracetamol or any other over the counter product is appropriate for you).
If you are unable to cope with the symptoms of coronavirus at home or if your condition worsens then call 111.
The Key message from the government is:
Stay at home to stop coronavirus spreading
Everyone must stay at home to help stop the spread of coronavirus.
You should only leave the house for 1 of 4 reasons:
- shopping for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible
- one form of exercise a day, for example a run, walk, or cycle – alone or with members of your household
- any medical need, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person
- travelling to and from work, but only where this absolutely cannot be done from home
If you need any further advice all the staff at PharmacyKwik who are frontline NHS staff members will be more than happy to help.
