The coronavirus and protecting yourself from it

How can I protect myself from the virus?

The best ways we know to protect ourselves are by; washing your hands regularly or using sanitiser if there’s no soap and water, keeping your distance from people whenever possible, wearing a face covering where required or advised, and being alert to potential coronavirus symptoms in ourselves and others.

What are the most common symptoms of coronavirus?

Typical coronavirus symptoms are: a high temperature; a new continuous cough; or a change to or loss of sense of taste of smell.  A high temperature or fever is usually considered to be a temperature of 38C or above. See https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/symptoms/ for more details about coronavirus symptoms.

If you don’t have a thermometer you can usually tell if someone has a high temperature if they:

• feel hotter than usual to touch on their forehead, back or stomach
• feel sweaty or clammy
• have flushed cheeks

 

How can I tell if I have coronavirus or a cold? 

If you are not sure whether you or your child’s symptoms suggest that they have coronavirus or an everyday cough or cold, you can consult this online NHS symptom checker, which has been designed to help you to tell the difference. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/symptoms/

Children often pick up colds and bugs after returning to school, but a runny nose or sore throat are not associated with COVID-19.