It's been over a year since our first lockdown here in the UK due to the spread of the Coronavirus. I think I can speak for the majority of us in saying what a stressful year it's been. So many people have died with COVID-19, and many of us know someone.  This illness has devastated lives. It also has impacted many of us mentally. This year has been a whirlwind and people have panic bought food and toilet roll, been advised to wear masks, seen many government briefings, and been told to stay at home. 

Vaccinations and stay at home orders have reduced the incidence of COVID-19 but unfortunately, it hasn't gone away, and we may be living with this virus for years to come. Research is showing that vaccinations are preventing severe effects of the COVID-19 virus however so that is an amazing thing.

There are still a number of things we can do to prevent catching Coronavirus in the first place. Let's have a recap of what they are. This is a collaborative post.

Hands Face Space 

Space - Transmission of the virus is most likely to happen within 2 metres, so maintaining that distance will help prevent the virus from spreading.

What are the symptoms of Coronavirus?

The main Coronavirus symptoms are 

A high temperature

A new continuous cough

A loss or change to your sense of smell

These may change as more about the virus is known. There are also other symptoms like 

What to do if you get Coronavirus?

If you get Coronavirus you must self isolate to prevent it from spreading and apply for a Coronavirus test.  Ring the NHS 111 helpline or access the NHS 111 website for advice. 

You and anyone you live with should stay at home and not have visitors until you get your test result – only leave your home to have a test.

If you do have the Coronavirus illness there are some things you should do. 

• Get plenty of rest, keep hydrated, monitor your symptoms, and if your symptoms get worse seek medical advice  
• Stay in a specific room, isolate as long as medical advice says and avoid other people. 
• Use a separate bathroom if possible and ensure that the bathroom is cleaned effectively after you use it. 
• As before, hands, face and space should also be adhered to.  
• Get your groceries delivered wherever possible.

If you have been at home and need to go to work, school or college tests like lateral flow tests can help you check that you do not have COVID-19 but should only be used if you have no symptoms. Rapid Lateral Flow tests are recommended by the NHS where there are no symptoms as they are simple to use and results are available in less than 30 minutes. A sample is taken from the back of the throat and from the nose using a swab and this is dipped in an extraction solution and then dripped on special paper to give a result.   

This post is kept as factual as possible and is based on current government advice, however, it is not comprehensive and does not offer medical advice. Always seek the advice of a doctor in a medical emergency. 

If we follow the government guidelines we can come out of lockdown sooner and look to the future with some positivity.