Coronavirus: What are they and how do I protect myself?

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Coronavirus symptoms: What are they and how do I protect myself?

Coronavirus has spread to more than 110 countries, including the UK, and claimed more than 4,600 lives.
So, what is the disease and how does it spread?

How do I protect myself?

The best thing is regular and thorough hand washing, preferably with soap and water.

Coronavirus spreads when an infected person coughs small droplets - packed with the virus - into the air. These can be breathed in, or cause an infection if you touch a surface they have landed on then your eyes, nose or mouth.

So, coughing and sneezing into tissues, not touching your face with unwashed hands, and avoiding close contact with infected people are important for limiting the spread.

Face masks do not provide effective protection, according to medical experts.

What are the coronavirus symptoms?

Coronavirus infects the lungs. The symptoms start with a fever followed by a dry cough, which can lead to breathing problems.

It takes five days on average to start showing the symptoms, scientists have said, but some people will get symptoms much later than this.

The incubation period lasts up to 14 days, the World Health Organization (WHO) says. But some researchers say it may be up to 24 days.

What should I do if I think I have coronavirus?

The NHS says an epidemic in the UK is "likely".

Patients with mild symptoms - such as a new continuous cough or a high temperature above 37.8C- should self-isolate at home for at least seven days, according to the latest advice issued by Public Health England on Friday.

Community teams will keep an eye on them if need be.

But people are being advised not to ring NHS 111 to report their symptoms unless they are worried. They should also not go to their GP or A&E. Details for Scotland are to check NHS inform, then ring your GP in office hours or 111 out-of-hours. In Wales call NHS 111, and in Northern Ireland, call your GP.

If you have come into contact with somebody who may be infected, you may be told to self-isolate. People needing to do so should take "common-sense" steps to avoid close contact with other people, says Public Health England.

Advice for people who have traveled back to the UK from affected areas and who may need to self-isolate has been issued.

Other countries have introduced their own measures For example, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises people showing symptoms to call their healthcare provider and those who are mildly ill to self-isolate.

The World Health Organization has also issued advice for the public.