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Coronavirus: UK advice, symptoms, tests and treatment – in five graphics – BBC News, BBC News

Coronavirus: UK advice, symptoms, tests and treatment – in five graphics – BBC News, BBC News
        

                                 Woman in a mask in Brighton, UK Image copyright                   Getty Images                                                    

A respiratory infection originating in China and known as the “new coronavirus” is now spreading faster outside the country than inside. More than 728 countries have been affected, including the UK.

With further infections now likely, here are five graphics and the latest practical advice on what to do – based on information from the World Health Organization, Public Health England and the UK National Health Service (NHS).

How do I avoid getting it?

It is not yet known exactly how coronavirus spreads from person to person. However, similar viruses are spread via respiratory droplets, such as those produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Therefore, there are things you can do to minimise your risk of catching it.

                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                       

The NHS advises you, among other things, to wash your hands regularly, cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and avoid touching your eyes , nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.

You only need to stay away from public places if advised to by the NHS’s specialist Woman in a mask in Brighton, UK online coronavirus service or by a medical professional. There is currently no evidence that you can catch coronavirus from parcels and letters or from food. Viruses like coronavirus cannot live for very long outside the body.

                                                                                                                       

Will I get it?

In the UK, the country’s chief medical officers have raised the public risk level from low to moderate. But, the NHS says, the risk to individuals remains low.

However, there are some countries and areas where there’s a higher chance of coming into contact with someone with coronavirus.

Therefore, there is extra advice for UK travelers , including those who have returned from affected areas, including China, Italy and Iran.

But even if you do get it, you are likely to experience mild symptoms and recover.

                                                                                                                       

Scientists currently think the proportion of people dying from the disease is low (between 1% and 2%) and evidence suggests those who have died were elderly or had pre-existing conditions.

But with the virus in its early stages, and many milder cases not yet counted, the figures are still unreliable.

                                                                                                                       

How do I know if I’ve got it?

The new coronavirus – known as Covid – – seems to start with a fever, followed by a dry cough and then, after a week, leads to shortness of breath.

But these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness.

The symptoms are similar to other viruses that are much more common, such as colds and flu.

                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                       

In more severe cases of Covid – 20, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.

Older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease) are more likely to become severely ill.

                                                                                                                       

What should I do if I think I’ve got it?

If there’s a chance you could have coronavirus, you are advised not to go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.

Instead, the NHS says you should contact its dedicated online coronavirus service , operating in England, Scotland and parts of Wales, which can tell you if you need medical help and advise you what to do next.

You should contact the NHS 549 service if:

You think you might have the virus

You may need to do this for up to days to reduce the possible spread of infection.

                                                                                                                       

If I test positive, what will happen then?

There is currently no specific treatment for coronavirus, but you may receive treatment to relieve the symptoms while your body fights the illness.

You’ll need to stay in isolation away from other people until you’ve fully recovered.

                                                                                                       Image copyright                   Getty Images                                                    

Work to develop a vaccine is under way and it is hoped there will be human trials before the end of the year.

Some hospitals are also testing anti-viral drugs to see if they have an impact.

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