SELF-ISOLATION is set to become a reality for thousands of British people in the coming weeks,
In fact, the government are urging people who have coronavirus symptoms to stay at home for seven days to prevent the spread of the deadly bug.
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It comes as the UK’s death toll has dramatically risen today to 104 – up 32 from yesterday – with the number of those infected now at 2,626.
The symptoms of coronavirus are similar to other respiratory illnesses such as the flu and the common cold.
On top of this, while sneezing is not a symptom of the new coronavirus, it also thought to be a way that droplets can be spread.
This has left many people confused as to whether they should be staying at home if they have a cold or a runny nose.
Should I self-isolate if I have a cold?
According to the NHS, there is no need to self-isolate if you have a cold or the flu – unless you have either of the below two symptoms:
- A high temperature – you feel hot to touch on your chest or back
- A new, continuous cough – this means you’ve started coughing repeatedly
Current advice from the government is that people with these two symptoms should stay at home for at least seven days.
If you live with other people, they should stay at home for at least 14 days, to avoid spreading the infection outside the home.
After 14 days, anyone you live with who does not have symptoms can return to their normal routine.
But, if anyone in your home gets symptoms, they should stay at home for seven days from the day their symptoms start – even if it means they’re at home for longer than 14 days.
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The NHS says that if you live with someone who is 70 or over, has a long-term condition, is pregnant or has a weakened immune system, you should try to find somewhere else for them to stay for 14 days.
But if you have to stay at home together, they are urging you to keep away from each other as much as possible.
Anyone who has travelled to an affected country or region or anyone who has been in contact with an infected person should also self-quarantine.
This means if you have spent 15 minutes within 6ft of someone with the virus, or having face-to-face contact should consider doing it.
What is self-isolation?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) says self-isolation is currently “the most effective way” of preventing the deadly bug from spreading.
Essentially self-isolation means cutting yourself off from the outside world — and no visitors!
It means staying at home from work, school or other public places or public transport or any place where you may spread the virus to others.
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Also, make sure you have a well-ventilated room with a window which can be opened.
And while there should be no visitors, it is fine to have friends, family or delivery drivers drop off essentials during this period.
How does coronavirus differ from flu?
The symptoms of coronavirus are similar to other respiratory illnesses such as the flu and the common cold.
However, with the flu, symptoms can come on much quicker than with coronavirus.
According to the NHS, signs of flu include:
- A sudden fever – a temperature of 38C or above
- An aching body
- Feeling tired or exhausted
- A dry cough
- A sore throat
- A headache
- Difficulty sleeping
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhoea or tummy pain
- Feeling sick and being sick
You can treat yourself for flu by getting rest and staying warm.
Taking paracetamol or ibuprofen can lower your temperature and treat aches and pains.
Drinking plenty of water will help avoid dehydration.
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The flu vaccine reduces the risk of catching flu, as well as spreading it to others.
It’s more effective to get the vaccine before the start of the flu season, which tends to run from December to March.
On the other hand, currently, there is no vaccine to protect people against Covid-19.
Antibiotics do not help, as they do not work against viruses – only bacteria.
The NHS says that treatment aims to relieve the symptoms while your body fights the illness.
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How can I protect myself?
The best way to prevent catching any form of coronavirus is to practice good hygiene, health experts say.
In order to reduce your risk of infection, you should:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds
- Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Health bosses say the best way to protect yourself and others is to wash your hands with soap and water for the time it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice.
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Happy Birthday takes about 20 seconds to sing twice and is said to be the perfect number to clean your hands to thoroughly.
You should also cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze then throw it away and wash your hands.
Cleaning and disinfecting objects and surfaces which you may have touched is also important.
