What are the symptoms of Covid-19

The WHO have identified that close to 90% of cases had a fever and two-thirds had a dry cough.

The third most common symptom was fatigue. Almost 40% of cases suffered from it.

Source: https://ourworldindata.org/coronavirus

How is Covid-19 Spread?

It is spread through

• “Respiratory droplets” – when a person coughs or sneezes and these land in mouths or noses of people who are nearby.
• Contact with an infected person’s droplets through touching surfaces where these have landed and then touching their own mucus membranes (eyes, nose or mouth). This is why hand washing is so important.

What is the progression of Covid-19

Currently it appears to start with a fever, followed by a dry couch. Most people will go on to improve following this stage.

However, after several days some patients experience shortness of breath. Symptoms can increase in severity leading to pneumonia, respiratory failure, septic shock, multiple organ dysfunction which can lead to death.

What is the incubation period for Covid-19?

The WHO reports people generally develop symptoms 5 -6 days after infection. This can vary between 1 – 14 days although in a few cases it has been as long as 20 -27 days.

How long does Covid-19 last once infected?

The WHO reports the average time from onset to recovery for mild case is approximately 2 weeks.

For severe cases it can be 3 – 6 weeks.

What do if you think you  have Covid-19

• If you are really unwell phone 111 for an ambulance and let the operator know your concern.
• Do not attend your GP or Accident & Emergency. Instead ring Healthline’s dedicated number for advice and next steps 0800 358 5453.