Old Bridge Surgery

Coronavirus

Coronavirus: latest information and advice

Information about the virus

A coronavirus is a type of virus. As a group, coronaviruses are common across the world. Typical symptoms of coronavirus include fever and a cough that may progress to a severe pneumonia causing shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.

Generally, coronavirus can cause more severe symptoms in people with weakened immune systems, older people, and those with long-term conditions like diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease.

Novel coronavirus (2019-nCov) is a new strain of coronavirus first identified in Wuhan City, China. Other countries of high risk are Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand.

What is the risk of catching coronavirus in the UK?

If you have not travelled from China or had contact with someone who has, you are extremely unlikely to catch this new coronavirus.

You can read more about the virus and the steps taken to control its spread on the NHS Website here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/wuhan-novel-coronavirus/ and on the government’s website here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/wuhan-novel-coronavirus/

If you are concerned you may have the virus…

  • Try to “self-quarantine” yourself to avoid spreading the infection
  • Please do not visit the surgery also to avoid spreading the infection (our instructions are to place patients in isolation and call for specialist help)
  • Check the websites above for more information
  • If you are still concerned then call NHS 111 to ask for advice
  • As with any virus of this type, to treat your symptoms and aid recovery:
    • rest and sleep
    • keep warm
    • drink plenty of water