Yorkshire doctor on what you should do if you think you have coronavirus

Yorkshire GP Nick Summerton tells us his advice on what to do if you think you or someone you know has coronavirus.

Over the next few weeks if you – or someone you live with - gets poorly with symptoms that might mean coronavirus such as a dry cough, temperature, sore throat, muscle aches, headache, shortness of breath or just not feeling well – what should you do?

- Speak to a doctor – or phone 111 - if you or the person you are caring for

-has any other illnesses, or takes any medicines

Dr Nick Summerton.Dr Nick Summerton.
Dr Nick Summerton.

- is pregnant

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- are concerned about anything - especially if the sickness affects a child, infant or older person

- Get lots of rest and fluids

Avoid alcohol but adults should try to drink 8 glasses (250ml) of water per day. For children over one year, aim at 100ml - 120ml of fluid per hour. Also, for infants & young children, always speak to a GP or 111. Soups are excellent and will give you energy too.

- Use regular paracetamol

Or calpol - for any temperature, aches or pains (including headaches)

- For dry coughs hot honey and lemon drinks are useful

But if any green or yellow stuff – or any blood – is coughed up speak to a GP or 111 immediately

- Keep washing your hands and cover coughs and sneezes

- The whole household should stay indoors for 14 days

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The individual who is sick needs to remain in a specific room and keep at least 2 metres away from other people. Avoid sharing personal items such as dishes, towels and bedding. Clean everything - surfaces, door handles - often.

- Monitor symptoms and ask the following questions – regularly

Lungs:

Has any cough got worse or is any green/yellow stuff – or blood – being coughed up?

Is any shortness of breath getting worse?

Is it getting more difficult to breathe?

Is there any chest pain, pressure or discomfort?

Brain:

Is there any confusion or drowsiness?

Face:

Have the lips or face gone blue?

Skin:

Has the skin got cold, pale or clammy?

Kidneys:

Are you – or the person you are looking after – peeing less than normal or is the pee darker?

Worried:

Are you concerned or worried about anything?

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If the answer is yes to any of these questions, or if you're not sure, call 111 or your GP. For emergencies, call 999.

- Measure

When patients or carers speak to me it is often helpful if they can let me know the temperature, pulse rate, blood pressure and breathing rate.

Also, if you have chest problems already a pulse oximeter can be very useful to have at home to take measurements.

Many people who get coronavirus will only have mild symptoms. But any of us - young or old, fit or frail - can get very sick. Please look after yourself and others.

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Join our new coronavirus Facebook group for the latest confirmed news and advice as soon as we get it www.facebook.com/groups/yorkshirecoronavirus----------------------------------------

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James Mitchinson

Editor

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