Who should you ask for help if the symptoms STRIKE?

What are the symptoms of coronavirus?

THE first symptom is usually a dry cough or sore throat. This can be quickly followed by a fever and then, in some cases, fatigue. Some people develop shortness of breath around the sixth day after first starting to feel unwell.

Anything else I should watch out for?

THE course of the illness varies from one person to another, but other symptoms include headaches, dizziness and confusion, diarrhoea, difficulty walking, nausea or vomiting, as well as loss of appetite.

In severe cases — which are most common in the elderly and those with high blood pressure, heart and lung problems or diabetes — it can cause pneumonia and kidney failure, and can kill.

What should I do if I have symptoms?

ANYONE showing symptoms of coronavirus, with either a high temperature (37.8c or above — this makes the chest or back feel hot to the touch) or a new, continuous cough, and who lives with other people, should stay at home for 14 days. You should call your GP and tell them what is happening. They will arrange for you to be tested. Make sure your GP has your mobile phone number.

The advice also applies to those who appear healthy but live with those exhibiting symptoms.

That means that, if possible, you should not go out, even to buy food or essentials.

How long should I stay off work?

IF YOU feel better and your fever has gone, you should contact your employers after seven days to check their protocol. Most would prefer you to self-isolate for 14 days.

When should I see a doctor?

MOST of those with coronavirus will not need to seek medical help and should NOT go to their GP, or to a hospital emergency department or pharmacy.

Do not go to any of these places but ring your GP and tell them your symptoms and ask to be tested. Only your GP can arrange a test for you. You need to selfisolate until you can be tested and people in your household need to restrict there movements.

See HSE.ie for full details on what you should do but your first action should be to phone your own GP for help and advice.

But what if I feel really ill?

AGAIN YOU should make contact with your GP who will help you get the right advice you need.

There is a full list of advice on the HSE website which will help you identify your symptoms. You may need to be brought to hospital if your symptoms are severe but you GP can assess that for you.

If you have symptoms but they have not disrupted your day-today life, most likely you will simply be instructed to stay at home.

If your health starts to deteriorate significantly, to the point where you feel you need urgent assistance you should call 112 or 999.

This call should only be made if you think you need to be treated in hospital — hospitals are not for testing, you will only be treated in hospital if your symptoms are too severe to treat at home.

What else can I do?

YOU should drink plenty of water and take ‘everyday’ painkillers, such as paracetamol, to help ease symptoms. The water will prevent dehydration, while the painkillers will help curb the fever.

Professor John Oxford, a virologist, says: ‘Food is a good source of water and nutrients, but you won’t feel like eating much, and drinking lots of water stops you becoming dehydrated.’

Should I be eating anything special?

THOSE with coronavirus could consider taking immune systemboosting vitamins, says dietitian Carrie Ruxton.

‘We don’t know enough about the virus to say whether any particular nutrients will treat it, but we know that vitamins A, C and D support normal immune function.

‘If you aren’t eating a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables while you’re at home, supplementation can top this up. Plus, orange juice is extremely good for vitamin C, and is really refreshing if you are thirsty and hot.’

Meal replacement shakes can provide a valuable source of calories for the elderly, who may already be frail and can ill-afford to lose more weight, she adds.

What if I’m staying at home but feel well?

IF YOU feel healthy but are self-isolating, perhaps because someone you live with is showing symptoms, you should keep an eye on calorie intake.

‘High-fibre foods, such as fruit and vegetables, are very nutritious because they are high in vitamins and minerals, but are not very calorific, so it would be advisable for someone who is healthy but moving less to fill up on these foods,’ says Linia Patel, an dietitian.

‘You should make at least half your plate high-fibre foods.’