THE coronavirus lockdown has left many feeling worried and cut off from the outside world.
But do not fear, because The Sun has teamed up with one of Britain’s most trusted medics, Dr Hilary Jones, who has been offering expert advice. Here, he offers guidance to six readers.
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Q: I LIVE in a town so I am likely to come into contact with people if I go outside. Is it safer to drive myself and my dog to a remote place for our once-a-day exercise?
A: People need to stop driving to other places to walk and exercise. Every trip increases the risk of viral transmission.
You could also have an accident, requiring medical attention. You might need to get petrol, meaning you come into contact with petrol pumps, cashiers and card machines as well as other customers. Leave the roads free and walk locally.
Q: I HAD pneumonia a few years ago. Am I more at risk of catching coronavirus?
A: Provided you recovered fully from your pneumonia there is nothing to suggest that you will be more at risk.
Q: WE are all spending more time in our gardens now. Can insects and flies transmit the virus?
A: No. There is no evidence that biting insects can transmit the virus. It is a respiratory virus transmitted through droplets in the air. For the same reason, we are still encouraging people to donate blood at a time when stocks are low and constantly need to be topped up. NHS Blood And Transplant are using extra safety checks and people are being encouraged to come into centres to help.
Q: I HAVE had stomach ache for the past couple of days and been making several trips to the toilet. I know it’s not something I ate. Could I have coronavirus?
A: Some people do experience diarrhoea with the virus but not usually without other Covid-19 symptoms, such as a fever, so it is unlikely. The guidance is that you do not need to self-isolate from family at home but just take extra personal hygiene precautions.
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Q: I HAVE had a cough and have been bringing up lots of phlegm. I also have a high temperature and wheezing. Is it possible it could be coronavirus?
A: It is possible since you have a fever, but the virus usually causes a dry cough rather than what’s called a productive cough.
However, the fever alone means you should self-isolate completely for seven days if you live alone and for 14 days away from everybody if you live in a household with other people.
Q: I WAS a nurse for 30 years and retired a year and a half ago. I have fibromyalgia and Type 2 diabetes. Is it advisable for me to offer my services and go back to work for the NHS?
A: It’s lovely of you to consider coming back to work for the NHS in this current crisis. Your skills would certainly be much appreciated. However you are in the vulnerable group, with diabetes among other things, so why not consider doing some other voluntary work which would not involve clinical contact with patients? More than 700,000 people have already registered as NHS volunteer responders by visiting https://www.goodsamapp.org/NHS.
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