Guidance From an NHS Nurse

 

With all the uncertainty around the current situation, regarding Coronavirus, we thought this information would be beneficial to you all, shared with us by an NHS nurse!

 

 

Questions Answers
How best to avoid contracting Covid-19? • Good hand washing
• Personal hygiene
• Social distancing
How can I prepare myself just in case I do contract Covid-19? Prepare as though you know you’re going to get a nasty respiratory bug, like bronchitis or pneumonia. You just have the foresight to know it might come your way!
Things you should buy ahead of time? • Tissues
• Paracetamol
• Mucus thinning cough medicine of choice is (make sure you’re not doubling up on Paracetamol). Honey & lemon can work as well!
• Vaporub for your chest
• Humidifier– may be helpful to use in your room when you go to bed overnight. You can also just turn the shower on hot & sit in the bathroom breathing in the steam
• Inhaler – If you have a history of asthma & have a prescription inhaler, make sure the one you have isn’t expired. Get a new one if necessary
• Meals- make a big batch of your favourite food & soup to freeze & have on hand
• Be calm & prepare rationally – everything will be fine
If you think you’ve contracted Covid-19 • Hydrate (drink!) hydrate, hydrate! Stock up on whatever your favourite clear fluids are to drink – though tap water is fine you may appreciate some variety!
• Symptom management and a fever over 38°c, take Paracetamol rather than Ibuprofen
• Rest – You shouldn’t be leaving your house! Even if you are feeling better you may will still be infectious for fourteen days and older people and those with existing health conditions should be avoided!
• Wear gloves and a mask to avoid contaminating others in your house
• Isolate in your bedroom if not living alone, ask friends and family to leave supplies outside to avoid contact
• Sanitize your bed linen and clothes frequently by washing and clean your bathroom with recommended sanitizers
You DO NOT NEED TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL unless… • You are having trouble breathing or your fever is very high (over 39°C) and unmanaged with meds – 90% of healthy adult cases so far have been managed at home with basic rest/hydration/over-the-counter medication
• If you feel like your symptoms are getting worse
• Pre-existing risks – If you have a pre-existing lung condition (COPD, emphysema, lung cancer) or are on immune suppressant’s – now is a good time to talk to your Doctor or specialist about what they would like you to do if you get sick
What if I think my child has Covid-19? Children – A big relief is that kids do VERY well with coronavirus— they usually bounce back in a few days (but they will still be infectious) – continue to monitor and use paediatric medicine
What are the symptoms of Covid-19? • Itching in the throat
• Dry throat
• Dry cough
• High temperature
• Shortness of breath

NHS Guidance

Please see the information below from the NHS for when parents should call 999 or 111 if they are concerned about a child’s health.