The first symptom is usually a dry cough or sore throat. This can be
quickly followed by a fever and then, in some cases, fatigue. Some
people develop shortness of breath around the sixth day after first
starting to feel unwell.
Anything else I should watch out for?
The course of the illness varies from one person to another, but other
symptoms include headaches, dizziness and confusion, diarrhoea,
difficulty walking, nausea or vomiting, as well as loss of appetite.
In severe cases – which are most common in the elderly and those with
high blood pressure, heart and lung problems or diabetes — it can cause
pneumonia and kidney failure, and can kill.
Anyone showing symptoms of coronavirus, with either a high temperature
(37.8c or above — this makes the chest or back feel hot to the touch)
or a new, continuous cough, and who lives with other people, should stay
at home for 14 days, the Prime Minister said last night.
The advice also applies to those who appear healthy but live with those
exhibiting symptoms. ‘That means that, if possible, you should not go
out, even to buy food or essentials, other than for exercise and, in
that case, at a safe distance from others,’ he advised.
Those who inform the NHS 111 website that they feel so ill they can’t
watch TV or get out of bed are advised to call NHS 111, where a nurse
will advise them on what to do next.
However, Chris Whitty, chief medical officer for England, has stressed
that those who feel very ill shouldn’t be scared to seek help, saying
last night: ‘If anyone’s health starts to deteriorate significantly,
they should phone 111 or contact the health service in the way they
usually would.’
You should drink plenty of water and take ‘everyday’ painkillers, such
as paracetamol, to help ease symptoms. The water will prevent
dehydration, while the painkillers will help curb the fever.
France, however, is advising against the use of ibuprofen. Health
minister Olivier Véran said on Saturday: ‘The taking of
anti-inflammatories could be a factor in aggravating the infection.
‘In case of a fever, take paracetamol. If you are already taking
anti-inflammatory drugs, ask your doctor’s advice.’