Information COVID-19

Sources: HSE, Departments of Health, ECDC

What is COVID-19?

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the name given to the 2019 novel coronavirus. COVID-19 is the name given to the disease associated with the virus. SARS-CoV-2 is a new strain of coronavirus that has not been previously identified in humans.³

How is COVID-19 Spread?

Coronavirus is spread in sneeze or cough droplets.How to stop the spread!

You could get the virus if you:

• come into close contact with someone who has the virus and is coughing or sneezing
• touch surfaces that someone who has the virus has coughed or sneezed on

As it’s a new illness, we do not know how easily the virus spreads from person to person. Spread is most likely from those who have symptoms.

The virus may only survive a few hours if someone who has it coughs or sneezes on a surface. Simple household disinfectants can kill the virus on surfaces. Clean the surface first and then use a disinfectant.¹

Symptoms

covid-19-symptoms-a4-poster

• It can take up to 14 days for symptoms of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) to show.
• The main symptoms to look out for are:
• cough – this can be any kind of cough, not just dry
  difficulty breathing
  fever (high temperature – 38 degrees Celsius or above) or chills
• Other symptoms are fatigue, headaches, sore throat, aches and pains.
• More information on the symptoms and causes of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) is available from the Department of Health.²

What can you do to protect yourself?

There is currently no vaccine or anti-viral to prevent (COVID-19) and no evidence of any integrative treatment directly for COVID-19.
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
According to the HSE guild-lines for at risk groups people in at-risk groups should take these extra precautions:²

Do

• Tell visitors not to visit if they have any symptoms of coronavirus.
• Meet people in a well-ventilated room or outdoors (2 meter distance).
• Ask visitors to wash their hands properly.
• Ask visitors to keep a space of at least 2 metres (6.5 feet) between you and them.
• Keep physically active, if possible.
• Refill your prescription medications and have over-the-counter medicines and supplies, for example, tissues and a thermometer.
• Make a joint plan with family, friends and neighbours on what to do if you become ill.
• Stay at home if you are sick to help stop the spread of whatever infection you may have.

TLT4CF would advise if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or are feeling unwell to contact your healthcare team immediately for advice and/or ring HSE helpline on 1850 24 1850. CF Ireland are providing updates from a national stand point.

Don’t

• Do not have any more than 2 visitors at a time to your home.
• Do not shake hands with visitors.

Precautions

covid-19-prevention-a4-poster

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  Stay home when you are sick, and keep children home from school when they are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.¹

For more detailed and up-to-date information for “at risk” groups please visit https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/at-risk-groups.html

Some further common questions are summariesed by CF Trust UK here be advised that this information is UK based.

What about work entitlements?

Updated governement infoarmtion can be found click here.

Sources:

1 https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/symptoms-causes-treatment.html

2 https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/472f64-covid-19-coronavirus-guidance-and-advice/#updated-measures-in-response-to-covid-19-coronavirus-14-march

3 https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/novel-coronavirus-china/questions-answers