health talk with Adeola

VIRAL INFECTIONS.

We all have had viral infections in the past, they are usually mild and self-limiting and it is so common – we usually know what to do. Few viral infections like the flu can be a bit more serious especially in children, the elderly and in those with other co-existing health conditions.

Viral Infections

Coronavirus infection ( COVID-19) has been in the news recently and has caused public concern.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), Ebola virus and Lassa fever Virus amongst others have in the past caused similar public health concern in different parts of the world and some are still causing concern at present.

Viral Infections

These epidemics above are more serious and potentially fatal viral conditions but one thing all viral infections have in common is the methods of prevention and containment.  In other words, strict hygiene and other simple sanitation methods go a long way in preventing the spread and therefore survival of these viruses and thereby help in its eradication.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways.

What’s the risk of catching coronavirus in the UK?

The UK Chief Medical Officers have raised the risk to the public from low to moderate. But the risk to individuals remains low. Health professionals are working to contact anyone who has been in close contact with people who have coronavirus.

How coronavirus is spread?

Because it’s a new illness, we do not know exactly how coronavirus spreads from person to person.   Similar viruses spread in cough droplets. It’s highly unlikely coronavirus can be spread through packages from affected countries or through food.

How to avoid catching or spreading germs

There’s currently no vaccine for coronavirus.

But there are things you can do to help stop germs like coronavirus spreading.

  • 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
  • wash your hands with soap and water often – use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
  • try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell
  • do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean

**Medical Experts at the Orthomolecular Medicine News Service (OMNS) have informed that supplements containing Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Magnesium, Zinc, Selenium have been shown to strengthen the immune system against viruses generally. These can be purchased in the chemist. Check with your doctor you have no other reasons precluding you from taking these supplements. I am happy to share specific guidance on daily dosage requirements with interested parties on request.

Symptoms of coronavirus.

Main symptoms are:

  • a cough
  • a high temperature
  • shortness of breath

Treatment for coronavirus

There is no specific treatment for coronavirus.

Treatment aims to relieve the symptoms while your body fights the infection.

Urgent advice: Call 111 now if you’ve been:

  • to Wuhan or Hubei Province in China in the last 14 days (even if you do not have symptoms)
  • to other parts of China, including Macau and Hong Kong, in the last 14 days and have a cough, high temperature or shortness of breath (even if it’s mild)
  • to Thailand, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Republic of Korea or Malaysia in the last 14 days and have a cough, high temperature or shortness of breath (even if it’s mild)
  • in close contact with someone with confirmed coronavirus

Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. Call 111, stay indoors and avoid close contact with other people. Tell 111 about any recent travel and any symptoms you have.

Locations with confirmed cases of Coronavirus

How to isolate yourself if you could have coronavirus

If there’s a chance you could have coronavirus, you may be asked to isolate yourself to reduce the spread of infection. This means that for up to 14 days, you should:

  • stay at home
  • not go to work, school or public areas
  • not use public transport or taxis
  • ask friends, family members or delivery services to run errands for you
  • try to avoid visitors to your home – it’s OK for friends, family or delivery drivers to drop off food.

                                          Keep safe. Keep well.

Please note that the information given above keeps evolving, for live updates, please check GOV.UK

References:

GOV.UK. WHO.  Public Health England.NHS choices. Orthomolecular Medicine News Service (OMNS)

** Not a public health advice or guidance.

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