Coronovirus and you...
So there has been a massive uptick in hysteria in regards to the Coronovirus. I’m not saying some of it is not warranted given the situation in that the World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared COVID-19 a global pandemic.
However being a person with a Chronic illnesses I’m sure you are wondering will the virus affect me more and how do I protect myself and/or my family. Another issue you will notice after reading the below article is, with my current condition(s) some of the symptoms are Standard Operating Procedures for your body. IE Fever, body aches, flu like symptoms. How do I differentiate between that and possible COVID-19.
*Note: Please be aware this is a European article and some words may not be the same we will use. For instance “jab” is referring to a shot. Also for those in Houston, TX there is COVID contact information for you at the end. Click the image to be directed to the website.
Coronavirus can affect anyone, but people with pre-existing health problems and older people are thought to be at greater risk of developing severe symptoms.
If you have a long-term health condition you may be feeling anxious. So here's what experts are advising.
Who is at risk?
Having a health condition does not make you more likely than anyone else to contract coronavirus, which is a respiratory disease.
But it appears people who are older, those with weakened immune systems and people who have underlying chronic conditions including asthma, diabetes or heart disease are more at risk of severe effects.
Most people recover from coronavirus quickly after a few days' rest. For some people, it can be more severe and, in rare cases, life-threatening. The symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common, such as cold and flu:
a cough
a high temperature
shortness of breath
I have asthma, what should I do?
Asthma UK's advice is to keep taking your preventer inhaler (usually brown) daily as prescribed. This will help cut your risk of an asthma attack being triggered by any respiratory virus, including coronavirus.
Carry your blue reliever inhaler with you every day, in case you feel your asthma symptoms flaring up. If your asthma is getting worse and there is a risk you might have coronavirus, contact the online NHS 111 coronavirus service.
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I'm elderly, should I self-isolate?
The latest advice from the government's chief medical adviser is that pensioners currently do not need to be self-isolating.
Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, recommends that people with elderly friends and relatives make sure they check on them regularly. "If you have any concerns about their health or need more information about coronavirus call NHS 111 or visit the NHS website," she said.
Older people and their families can also call Age UK Advice for free on 0800 169 65 65.
What if I have a chronic health issue?
Those with underlying medical issues such as high blood pressure, lung complaints and weakened or compromised immune systems are more likely to develop serious illness as a result of the disease.
Anyone with a higher risk from viruses such as cold or flu should take sensible steps to reduce the risk of picking up infections, and call your doctor if you're feeling unwell.
Those who begin to show symptoms should immediately contact their GP or NHS 111 for advice.
I have diabetes, what should I do?
Those living with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes could be at greater risk of more severe symptoms. Dan Howarth, head of care at Diabetes UK, said: "Coronavirus or Covid-19 can cause complications in people with diabetes.
"If you have diabetes and you have symptoms such as cough, high temperature and feeling short of breath, you need to monitor your blood sugar closely and call the NHS 111 phone service."
Should pregnant women worry?
There is no evidence yet that pregnant women are a high-risk group. Like anyone, they should take steps to avoid infection.
I'm a smoker, am I at higher risk?
Deborah Arnott, chief executive of public health charity, Ash, advises that those who smoke heavily should either cut back or try to quit entirely to lower their risk.
"Smokers are more likely to get respiratory infections and twice as likely to develop pneumonia as non-smokers," she said.
"Quitting smoking is good for your health in so many ways and smokers should see coronavirus as further motivation to give quitting a go to build up their body's defences now before coronavirus becomes widespread in the UK."
What about my medication?
It is important that even if you are unwell, you continue to take your prescribed medication. If you need to collect prescriptions while unwell, ask a friend or family member to collect them for you.
Do I need a flu jab?
Coronavirus is an entirely different virus to flu, so the flu jab won't prevent infection, but flu can also make you sick and can be severe in certain people.
If you have not yet had your flu jab there is still time to get one. People aged 65 and over, pregnant women and children and adults with underlying health conditions or weakened immune systems can get one for free on the NHS.
So how can I stay safe?
The virus is thought to be spread by coughs and via contaminated surfaces, such as handrails and door handles in public places.
Good hygiene can stop the virus spreading:
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
Put used tissues in the bin immediately
Wash your hands with soap and water often - use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell
Don't touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
Should I use a face mask or avoid public places?
The British Lung Foundation says it does not recommend using a face mask "as there isn't enough evidence to show how effective they are. Also, for people living with a lung condition wearing a face mask can make breathing more difficult."
If you think you might have coronavirus, you should contact your doctor over the phone or use an online service do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
