Coronavirus: How GPs are helping you prepare for ‘tsunami’ – Dr Nick Summerton

It is very frightening for everyone to see pubs, bars, clubs, museums, sports centres, theatres, cinemas and schools closed. Gatherings with family and friends have been curtailed and we have cut down on use of public transport. We are also being asked to keep at least two metres away from our fellow human beings, to continually wash our hands and not to touch our faces.

Speaking to medical friends in London, and listening to the news from Europe, it feels as if a coronavirus tsunami is heading our way and will hit Yorkshire within the next couple of weeks. There is no way we can avoid it – but we all need to work hard to try to slow things down and, when it does arrive, to ride it out as best we can.

We also need to think of others. Although panic buying toilet rolls might seem slightly amusing, there is nothing funny about large numbers of people not being able to get hold of paracetamol while others are hoarding boxes. None of us will need more than 30 paracetamol should we get coronavirus. So, if you have got your 30, please check with your friends and neighbours that they are not short.

Many of us will need to self-isolate 
for a while – if we are older, vulnerable or have symptoms such as a dry cough
or a temperature. Others might get
sick with the virus and need to be cared for at home or in hospital. The next
few weeks will be very testing for all
of us.

As a GP I will continue to see patients – or speak to people on the phone or by Skype – as long as I can. Most practices – and hospitals – are also setting themselves up so that, when one heath care worker falls sick, there are others who can step into the breach.

Many retired doctors are now being asked to consider coming back for a while. Being able to chat to their old familiar family doctor again will certainly give some people a tremendous boost at this difficult time.

Over the next few weeks if you – or a member of your family – do get poorly with symptoms that might mean coronavirus such as a cough, temperature, sore throat, muscle aches, headache or shortness of breath, the NHS will be there for you should you need it.

Also please don’t think that your GP is abandoning you just because we are trying to do fewer face-to-face consultations or redirecting some calls to the 111 service. Should you need a home visit we will work out how best to do it so that everyone is kept safe.

If you are asked to remain at home with either definite or possible coronavirus, it is important to speak to a doctor – or phone 111 – if you have any other illnesses or you take any medicines. Parents concerned about their children or those who are pregnant should always chat to their own GP.

For young children, and infants with high temperatures, we all need to remember that there are other serious conditions – such as meningitis – to keep in mind. It is dangerous to think that every temperature, every cough or every person with breathlessness simply has coronavirus.

Provided that there are no objections from your own GP or 111, then the following advice might help you if you become poorly:

Get lots of rest and fluids. Avoid 
alcohol but aim to drink eight glasses of water per day. Chicken or red cabbage soups are excellent and will give you energy too.

Use regular paracetamol for any temperature, aches or pains (including headaches).

For dry coughs hot honey and lemon drinks are useful. If you start coughing up green or yellow phlegm, speak to your own GP.

Keep washing your hands and cover coughs and sneezes.

Stay in a specific room and away
from other people. Avoid sharing personal items such as dishes, towels and bedding.

Monitor your symptoms. If anything gets worse or if you begin to find it difficult to breathe, or get any shortness of breath, discomfort or pressure in your chest then you need to call your GP, 111 or dial 999 immediately. For carers please seek urgent advice if the person you are looking after becomes confused or more drowsy.

I know that not being able to chat to your GP face-to-face will be difficult for many. But although we might not be able to hold your hand, or pass you a tissue, we are still there for you. Also, you don’t have to be an IT expert or a Skype wizard to make contact – if you need your GP at any time during this crisis just pick up the phone and give us a call.

Nick Summerton is a East Yorkshire GP and public health specialist.