Coronavirus: What do I do if I have symptoms for Covid-19 in Wales?
With almost 1,000 people in Wales tested for coronavirus, demand for testing symptoms on health services is increasing.
With a rising number of confirmed cases in Wales, here is some advice on what to do if you begin having symptoms of Covid-19.
First of all, what are the symptoms?
The most common symptoms of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of a new continuous cough, and/or a high temperature.
For most people, coronavirus will be a mild infection, PHW says.
If you have symptoms of coronavirus infection, however mild, stay at home and do not leave your house.
The advice is to stay at home for seven days from when your symptoms started. This action will help protect others in your community whilst you are infectious.
Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
You do not need to contact NHS 111 to tell them you’re staying at home.
People who are self-isolating with mild symptoms will not be tested.
Only call 111 if:
You feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home
Your condition gets worse
Your symptoms do not get better after 7 days
Drive-in testing centres have been introduced around Wales to health boards meet demand for testing over the coming weeks.
Only patients who have completed an initial assessment through the all-Wales 111 telephone service and who have an appointment will be tested at the units.
Is there a treatment for coronavirus?
There is currently no specific treatment for coronavirus.
Antibiotics do not help, as they do not work against viruses.
Treatment aims to relieve the symptoms while your body fights the illness.
You need to stay in isolation, away from other people, until you have recovered.
How is it spread?
Because COVID-19 a new illness, it is not yet known exactly how coronavirus spreads from person to person.
Similar viruses are spread in cough droplets.
It is very unlikely it can be spread through things like packages or food.
The risk to the UK of infection has been raised to high.
The UK government said 29,764 people have been tested in the UK, of which 29,174 were confirmed negative and 590 were confirmed as positive.
Ten patients who tested positive for COVID-19 have died.
How to avoid catching or spreading coronavirus:
Wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
Always wash your hands when you get home or into work
Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
Put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell
Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.