NHS Doctor Nisa Aslam was recently interviewed about the Coronavirus. Questions such as what to do if you get it and how to treat symptoms are below!
All answers are quoted directly from the doctor, so check them out and stay safe!
Q: I feel ill – how can I tell if it’s coronavirus?
Dr says: “The two main symptoms to worry about are:
Fever – A high temperature means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back – or if you have a thermometer, anything over 37 .8°C.
Coughing – A new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three or more coughing fits in 24 hours.
These symptoms tend to be mild initially and begin gradually – usually around five days after catching the virus, although it could be as long as 14 days after.”
Q: Can I take ibuprofen to ease my symptoms?
Dr says: “No – an article published in the British Medical Journal last week suggested that ibuprofen may prolong or worsen the effects of a COVID-19 infection, so it’s sensible to avoid them. Instead take two 500mg paracetamol tablets, every four to six hours, rest in bed and drink plenty of fluids.
Q: Who actually are at risk groups and what underlying conditions are included?
Dr says: “Around one out of every six people who gets COVID-19 become seriously ill and develop difficulty breathing. These are most likely to be those over 70 and those with underlying medical problems such as high blood pressure , lung conditions, heart problems or diabetes. Being pregnant, undergoing treatment for cancer or taking immuno-suppressant drugs (such as steroids) is also thought to put you at higher risk of more serious complications.”
Q: At what point should I panic and go to hospital?
Dr says: “Don’t panic! If you‘re having continuous chest tightness, feel persistent shortness of breath, have nostril flaring when breathing or are needing to use your chest muscles extra hard in order to breath, you must either ring NHS 111 – or in an emergency, call 999 .“
Q: Do I need to wear a mask?
Dr says: “In general, face masks are not recommended by Public Health England as they don’t provide great protection from getting the virus. However, if you’re already displaying symptoms yourself – such as coughing – then a mask could help prevent you spreading the virus to others in your family – or to the public if you have to leave the house for any emergency.”
Q: When will I stop being contagious?
Dr says: “Once your fever is gone, after seven days you should no longer be infectious and can return to your normal routine (even if you still have a cough). But if you still have a fever you should remain cautious and avoid contact with others until your temperature returns to normal.”
This information was taken from an interview with The Mirror. We hope this has helped someone, and please remember to stay safe and practice good hygiene.
