Coronavirus – Advice for Patients

The symptoms of coronavirus are:

• a cough
• a high temperature
• shortness of breath

The symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common, such as cold and flu and it does not necessarily mean you have the illness.

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
• you’ve recently been to a country or area with a high risk of coronavirus – For the list of countries please click here
• you’ve been in close contact with someone with coronavirus

Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
Information for the public is available at gov.uk/coronavirus and https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19
Like the common cold, coronavirus infection usually occurs through close contact with a person with novel coronavirus via cough and sneezes or hand contact. A person can also be infected by touching contaminated surfaces if they do not wash their hands.
The risk of being in close contact with a person with coronavirus or contaminated surfaces is very low at the current time.
Everyone is being reminded to follow Public Health England advice to:

• Always carry tissues with you and use them to catch your cough or sneeze. Then bin the tissue, and wash your hands, or use a sanitiser gel.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using public transport. Use a sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are unwell.

You can find the latest information and advice from Public Health England at www.gov.uk/coronavirus.