SEIZE THE SNEEZE
Is sneezing a symptom of coronavirus?
WITH coronavirus spreading, it's important to know the symptoms.
And many are concerned that sneezing could be a sign that they have contracted the deadly bug.
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Is sneezing a symptom of coronavirus?
Although sneezes might cause discomfort, they are not a symptom of coronavirus.
However, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be careful when sneezing, as it can cause the virus to spread to others - if you are infected.
The virus is believed to be transmitted between people through droplets spread from coughing and touching or shaking hands.
While sneezing is not a symptom of the new coronavirus, it also thought to be a way that droplets can be spread.
That is why it’s important to cover your nose and mouth when you feel a sneeze creeping up.
As well as the main symptoms of a high temperature and dry cough, the Word Health Organisation (WHO) website has a list of mild signs which may indicate coronavirus, including: aches and pains, nasal congestion, sore throat or diarrhoea.
Despite sneezing not being one of the main symptoms, it is one that you should not take lightly and should get professional medical advice on if it's different to your usual sniffles.
You can go about this by calling the NHS 111 coronavirus advice service, but should avoid going to your GP or to the hospital.
The most common symptoms of coronavirus include fever, tiredness and dry cough.
What should I do if I am only sneezing?
If you do not have any other symptoms along with your sneeze then it is highly unlikely that you have contracted the virus.
You should however take precautions by staying at home as per Government advice.
It may be that you just have a cold so you should drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration as well as keeping warm and getting plenty of rest.
What should I do if I am sneezing and have other symptoms?
If you are sneezing and have symptoms of the coronavirus, you should be self-isolating.
This means staying at home for seven days if you live alone and extending this to 14 days if you live with other people.
By doing this, you will be helping to stop the spread of the virus to other people outside of your home.
Studies show that people have coronavirus without symptoms for five days on average.
With any of these mild-symptoms, self-isolating is a precautionary measure, but in regards to treatment, you shouldn't need any, irrespective if you have contracted the disease or not, although you should call the to confirm.
To protect others and yourself from coronavirus, do not go to places like a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
You should call 999 if the sneeze is accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating and feeling or being sick, and lasts more than 15 minutes.
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What are the other symptoms of coronavirus?
A high temperature is a common symptom.
This means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back, you do not need to measure your temperature with a thermometer.
A new, continuous and dry cough is also a symptom.
This means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours.
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What can I do while self-isolating?
For a person that is usually busy, self-isolating for up to two weeks can seem like a long time.
But it doesn't have to be all doom and gloom, and there are many things that you can do to pass the the time and keep healthy.
These include staying in touch with your friends and family over the phone and learning new skills, such as cooking or taking an online course.
To try and keep healthy, you should drink lots of water to stay hydrated and take paracetamol to ease your symptoms, according to the .
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