Contents
Overview Stay at home advice
COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It's caused by a virus called coronavirus.
These pages are for the public. There is coronavirus information for health professionals on the NHS England website.
Stay at home for 7 days if you have either:
• a high temperature • a new, continuous cough • Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you're staying at home.
Read our https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-advice/advice about staying at home.
• you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home • your condition gets worse • your symptoms do not get better after 7 days • Use the 111 coronavirus service
Only call 111 if you cannot get help online.
How coronavirus is spread
Similar viruses are spread in cough droplets.
It's very unlikely it can be spread through things like packages or food.
wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
always wash your hands when you get home or into work
use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell
do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
There is currently no specific treatment for coronavirus.
Antibiotics do not help, as they do not work against viruses.
Treatment aims to relieve the symptoms while your body fights the illness.
You'll need to stay in isolation, away from other people, until you have recovered.
GOV.UK: coronavirus action plan
GOV.UK: information on coronavirus and the situation in the UK
