We’ve put together a ROUGH guide of symptoms that people are getting and when. All patients’ experiences are different, however, so please seek help when needed. Hopefully you won’t need this information, but if you do then best to know what to expect.

Day 1. People usually start with a fever OR dry cough. The fevers may persist despite paracetamol, and the fevers can go on for over a week. The cough may worsen too. Some people are also getting significant muscle ache, loss of appetite or diarrhoea, or loss of smell or taste. The phrase we’re hearing is ‘really washed out’. One should continue regular paracetamol, plenty of fluids and rest. If one needs medical advice, the first point of reference is https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19/ and follow the instructions.

Please remember one should self-isolate for 10 days and your whole household for 14 days if any of the above symptoms occur.

Day 5-8. We are noticing that some people are becoming short of breath around this time e.g. when going up the stairs or walking. If this is the case, please go to the web link above.

Some may require an assessment by a doctor.

Most won’t need to go to hospital. These symptoms may continue for up to two weeks, and should improve. However if at ANY POINT one feels they can’t manage their symptoms or their condition gets worse or their symptoms don’t get better beyond 7 days, please click on the 111 link above and follow the instructions.

Most will remain at home and won’t need to go to hospital. However, if someone’s condition worsens they will be admitted to hospital. A proportion of those will need treatment in intensive care.

People are either discharged or significantly deteriorate at around days 17-22.

This is all preventable through the dedicated social distancing we’re all doing, hand washing and helping and protecting the vulnerable. So, thank you for doing these things.

Please go to https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19/ initially or contact the surgery if you have any further queries.