Ask the medic: What are the symptoms of coronavirus?

Please remind me – what are the symptoms of coronavirus and what should I do if I think I have it?

If you have a fever, a new continuous cough or you’ve lost your sense of smell or taste (or it has changed) you may have coronavirus.

As soon as you suspect you may have coronavirus you should either call 119 or go online and book a coronavirus test. You and your household must not leave your house at this point and must stay at home until you have the results of your test. Book a test within the first four days of having symptoms. After this, it is too late to order a home test.

Self-isolate for at least 10 days if you have symptoms of coronavirus and you tested positive or did not have a test or if you tested positive but have not had symptoms. If you have symptoms, the 10 days start from when your symptoms started. If you have not had symptoms, the 10 days start from when you had the test. But if you get symptoms after your test, self-isolate for a further 10 days from when your symptoms start.

If you feel well after 10 days you can stop isolating – but if you still feel unwell keep isolating until you feel better.

If someone you live with has had a positive result, you must self-isolate for 14 days from the time their symptoms started or they received a positive test. This is because it can take that long for symptoms to appear.

If you have a temperature, get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids. Take paracetamol or ibuprofen to help if you feel uncomfortable.

If you have a cough it is best to try and lie on your side or sit upright – try not to lie on your back.

It is really important that you do not go out – even to the pharmacy or GP or other healthcare premises – to avoid spreading the disease.

If your symptoms get very bad, ring 111 – they will give you advice.

I’ve forgotten what the tiers all mean – what does it mean in Cumbria?

Cumbria is currently in tier two – which means that the following restrictions apply:

• You must not socialise with anyone you do not live with or who is not in your support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place;
• You must not socialise in a group of more than six people outside, including in a garden or a public space;
• Businesses and venues can continue to operate in a Covid-secure manner, other than those which remain closed by law, such as nightclubs;
• Pubs and bars must close, unless operating as restaurants and hospitality venues can only serve alcohol with substantial meals;
• Hospitality businesses selling food or drink for consumption on their premises are required to;
• Provide table service only, in premises which sell alcohol;
• Close between 11pm and 5am (hospitality venues in airports, ports, transport services and motorway service areas are exempt);
• Stop taking orders after 10pm;
• Places of worship remain open but you must not socialise with people from outside of your household or support bubble while you are indoors there, unless a legal exemption applies;
• Weddings and funerals can go ahead with restrictions on numbers of attendees – 15 people can attend wedding ceremonies and receptions, 30 people can attend funeral ceremonies, and 15 people can attend linked commemorative events such as wakes or stone settings;
• Organised outdoor sport, and physical activity and exercise classes can continue;
• Organised indoor sport, physical activity and exercise classes will only be permitted if it is possible for people to avoid mixing with people they do not live with (or share a support bubble with). You can continue to travel to venues or amenities which are open, but should aim to reduce the number of journeys you make where possible.
• You must continue to follow tier two rules when you travel to a tier one area and avoid travel to or overnight stays in tier three areas other than where necessary, such as for work, education, youth services, to receive medical treatment, or because of caring responsibilities.