COVID-19 Digital Partner Pack

What is Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It’s caused by a virus called Coronavirus. Coronavirus (COVID-19) is spread in sneeze or cough droplets. Current evidence suggests that the virus can spread as easily as the flu virus that circulates every winter. Viruses can be easily spread to other people and you are normally infectious until all your symptoms have gone. Coronavirus (COVID-19) may survive on surfaces if someone who has it coughs or sneezes onto it. Simple household disinfectants can kill the virus on surfaces.

What are the symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

It can take up to 14 days for symptoms to appear.
The most common symptoms are:

• Cough: This can be any kind of cough, usually dry but not always
• Fever: High temperature over 38 degrees Celsius
• Shortness of Breath
• Breathing Difficulties

How can I protect myself from getting Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

Wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face with your hands. Hand gels with at least 60% alcohol content can be used if soap and water are not available.

How to wash your hands with soap and water

• Wet your hands with warm water and apply soap.
• Rub your hands together until the soap forms a lather.
• Rub the top of your hands, between your fingers and under your fingernails.
• Do this for about 20 seconds. Rinse your hands under running water.
• Dry your hands with a clean towel or paper towel.
• A video demonstration is available at hse.ie/handhygiene When coughing and sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue.
• Put used tissues into a closed bin and wash your hands. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. Use regular household disinfectants to clean surfaces.
• Do not shake hands or make close contact where possible.
• We recommend social distancing for all people to decrease the spread of the virus. Social distance measures work by reducing contact between sick and healthy individuals.

Who are at-risk groups?

There are some groups of people who may be more at risk of serious illness if they catch Coronavirus (COVID-19). These groups include:

• People over 75 are particularly vulnerable
• All people aged 60 years and over
• People (adults and children) with long-term medical conditions including people with cardiac and respiratory conditions
• People whose immune system is impaired due to disease or treatment including cancer patients
• Patients with any condition that can affect respiratory function (breathing)
• Residents of nursing homes and other long-stay settings including disability, mental health and older persons services
• All over 50-year olds within the specialist disability health services
• All people in the specialist disability health services with an underlying health problem

What should I do if I’m feeling unwell?

If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms like fever and/or cough, you should immediately self-isolate regardless of travel or contact history. We explain how to self-isolate on page 11. If you are experiencing these symptoms and are concerned you have been in contact with a person infected with Coronavirus (COVID-19), self-isolate and contact your GP (family doctor) by phone. Do not go to your GP surgery in person. Your GP will assess you and decide if a test for Coronavirus (COVID-19) is necessary. You can also call HSELive on 1850 24 1850 for further guidance.

How should I limit social interaction?

Limited social interaction is avoiding contact with other people and social situations as much as possible. You may need to do this if you are a close contact of a confirmed case of Coronavirus (COVID-19). This is to stop other people from getting the virus if you develop symptoms.