Public Health Gibraltar launches its second COVIDFit campaign using the catch phrase Self-care: How. When. Where; which aims to reinforce 3 key points:
- what we can do for ourselves when feeling unwell
- when we should seek a healthcare professional’s advice
- where to access the appropriate services.
Understanding our own bodies, identifying when we are unwell and choosing to stay home to prevent the spread to others is the heart of all good infection control.
Key COVID-19 Symptoms:
- Temp >37.8’C
- New cough (dry or chesty)
- Shortness of Breath (unable to complete a sentence without pausing to breathe)
- Loss of appetite/ sense of smell/ taste
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Muscle Pain /body ache
- Sore throat
Although we may experience the same infections differently, there are key symptoms to be aware of in regards to the COVID-19 virus. These consist of a new cough, fever, unexplained headaches and body fatigue/aches. You can use the government self-test tool [CovidSelfTest.egov.gi] to check symptoms.
If you notice new symptoms, go home immediately, and contact 111 for advice.
For the majority of us, experiencing COVID-19 will mean treating manageable symptoms through self-care within home-isolation. Advisable treatments include:
- Medicines as per the recommended dose to treat symptoms (e.g. paracetamol to alleviate fever, sore throat, muscle aches etc.).
- Getting plenty of rest, taking the necessary time off work to allow a full recovery
- Drinking plenty of fluids such as warm drinks or clear soups
- Avoiding smoking and exposure to any secondhand smoke; this will delay healing and have a further negative effect on your health
- Continued hand and respiratory hygiene; washing hands for at least 20 seconds whenever required, and catching/binning/ killing any germs from coughs and sneezes
- Keeping your rooms well ventilated
COVID-19 remains deadly for the elderly and those with unstable underlying illnesses, however, it is also crucial to note that regardless of this new disease, there may be some people who will still suffer and pass away from non-Covid related illnesses.
The GHA’s excellent service is always available for non COVID-19 related emergencies including chest pains, stroke, injuries etc. and the A&E department is still accessible for these and other life-saving emergencies. Similarly, the primary care centre retains doctor and nurse practitioner appointments for non COVID-19 queries. Public Health are reinforcing a key message-
Seek timely intervention when you need it!
If you have symptoms that are persistent and you are unable to manage them at home, contact the GP or Nurse Practitioner via the new telephone service 200 07910 available from 8:30am – 7pm Monday to Sunday.
If you are severely breathless or require emergency attention contact 190 as you normally would (being sure to inform them if you have any COVID-19 symptoms).
For more information on keeping #CovidFit see www.CovidFit.gi
