Should I self-isolate if I have a cold? Coronavirus quarantine rules explained – The Sun
SELF-ISOLATION is set to become a reality for thousands of British people in the coming weeks.
In fact, the government is urging people who have coronavirus symptoms to stay at home for seven days to prevent the spread of the deadly bug.
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It comes as the UK's death toll has dramatically risen today to 104 – up 32 from yesterday – with the number of those infected now at 2,626.
The symptoms of coronavirus are similar to other respiratory illnesses such as the flu and the common cold.
And while sneezing is not a symptom, it also thought to be a way that droplets can be spread – along with coughing.
This has left many people confused as to whether they should be staying at home if they have a cold or a runny nose.
Should I self-isolate if I have a cold?
According to the NHS, there is no need to self-isolate if you have a cold or the flu – unless you have either of the below two symptoms:
- A high temperature – you feel hot to touch on your chest or back
- A new, continuous cough – this means you've started coughing repeatedly
In some cases, shortness of breath is also a symptom – one that hits later.
Current advice from the government states that if you live alone and notice the two main symptoms, you should self-isolate for seven days.
If you live with other people the whole household must self-isolate for at least 14 days, to avoid spreading the bug outside the home.
After the 14 day period is up, all members of your household who are free of any symptoms can return to their normal routine.
But, if anyone still has symptoms, they should self-isolate for seven days – from when their symptoms start. It may mean staying at home longer than the 14 day period.
The NHS says that if you live with someone who is 70 or over, has a long-term condition, is pregnant or has a weakened immune system, you should try to find somewhere else for them to stay for 14 days.
But if you have to stay at home together, they are urging you to keep away from each other as much as possible.
Anyone who has travelled to an affected country or region or anyone who has been in contact with an infected person should also self-quarantine.
This means if you have spent 15 minutes within 6ft of someone with the virus, or having face-to-face contact should consider doing it.
What is self-isolation?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) says self-isolation is currently “the most effective way” of preventing the deadly bug from spreading.
Essentially self-isolation means cutting yourself off from the outside world — and no visitors!
It means staying at home from work, school or other public places or public transport or any place where you may spread the virus to others.
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Also, make sure you have a well-ventilated room with a window which can be opened.
And while there should be no visitors, it is fine to have friends, family or delivery drivers drop off essentials during this period.
How does coronavirus differ from flu?
The symptoms of coronavirus are similar to other respiratory illnesses such as the flu and the common cold.
However, with the flu, symptoms can come on much quicker than with coronavirus.
According to the NHS, signs of flu include:
- A sudden fever – a temperature of 38C or above
- An aching body
- Feeling tired or exhausted
- A dry cough
- A sore throat
- A headache
- Difficulty sleeping
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhoea or tummy pain
- Feeling sick and being sick
You can treat yourself for flu by getting rest and staying warm.
Taking paracetamol can lower your temperature and treat aches and pains.
Drinking plenty of water will help avoid dehydration.
The flu vaccine reduces the risk of catching flu, as well as spreading it to others.
On the other hand, currently, there is no vaccine to protect people against Covid-19.
Antibiotics do not help, as they do not work against viruses – only bacteria.
The NHS says that treatment aims to relieve the symptoms while your body fights the illness.
How can I protect myself?
The best way to prevent catching any form of coronavirus is to practice good hygiene, health experts say.
In order to reduce your risk of infection, you should:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds
- Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Health bosses say the best way to protect yourself and others is to wash your hands with soap and water for the time it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice.
Happy Birthday takes about 20 seconds to sing twice and is said to be the perfect number to clean your hands to thoroughly.
You should also cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze then throw it away and wash your hands.
Cleaning and disinfecting objects and surfaces which you may have touched is also important.
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