Coronavirus

[Kimkat]

Has anyone had reason to contact 111 with ref to Coronavirus? I’ve tried 3 times to speak to someone about my concerns and it’s practically impossible to get through. Once you press the required number all you get is information on how to self medicate, which I have been doing. I just want to make sure that I’m fit to travel on Saturday to France without giving anyone else whatever I have. Sorry I forgot to say that I’ve not long been back from skiing in Italy and it’s very near to the areas that have been put on lockdown.

[Maisie2014]

Sorry but I think you need to keep trying the 111. They would be the only ones to answer this question.

[Kimkat in reply to Maisie2014]

Yes but that’s easier said than done, even my med cen has told me to ring 111

[Lezzers in reply to Kimkat]

They're probably inundated with similar calls, just need to keep trying unfortunately

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

The government advice is to ring 111 so you need to be patient and keep trying:

gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus...

[Kimkat in reply to MichaelJH]

It’s difficult to get past the recorded message.

[seasider18 in reply to Kimkat]

I tried to phone 111 about a heart problem on the 19th the recorded message said there was a long wait and to try again later or to dial 999 if my situation was urgent.

How long have you had your symptoms and have they worsened or are similar to the published ones.

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

The most important thing we can do is wash our hands properly.

Sneeze into a tissue and then throw the tissue way.

Then wash our hands

Avoid touching our nose, eyes, mouth and face.

BBC News - Coronavirus: Watch how germs spread

bbc.co.uk/news/health-51637561

[Kimkat in reply to Milkfairy]

I’ve been doing all of this and trust me I have read/watched everything on tv from medical advice to WHO, NHS and even watched an interview at 1 this morning with a director of tropical and contagious disease. All stories are so conflicting

[stevejb1810]

Just to add to what has been said already, the chief medical officer’s advice is that if you have symptoms AND you have recently returned to the UK from an affected area, you should self quarantine.

[Kimkat in reply to stevejb1810]

Already done, we have been back since 7th Feb. When I rang the medical centre they said you’ve done everything that’s required, you should be fine. I’m not suffering at the moment other than having sinus problems, which is normal for me after a head cold. Haven’t had a fever but all I want apart from clarification is at least to be tested. I realise that our nhs is struggling at any time but surely it’s important to be screened in my case??

[Dolphin14 in reply to Kimkat]

You should be checked. You shouldn't be on an plane if you haven't been checked.

I'm in the US so I'm not sure what 111 is.

If those are your rules to contact this number then I think you have to keep trying.

[stillaboveground in reply to Dolphin14]

Hi 111 is a number in the uk that we can ring about medical concerns, it helps if you can't get to see a doctor, they advise if you should go to hospital or if you should ring an ambulance. they are qualified medical staff and are very good.

[Dolphin14 in reply to stillaboveground]

Thank you for explaining.

Sounds like this case needs to be reported and screened.

[stillaboveground in reply to Dolphin14]

Better to be safe than sorry.

[Dolphin14 in reply to stillaboveground]

100% agree. As this outbreak continues we must all be diligent about protecting ourselves and those around us.

[Lezzers in reply to Dolphin14]

111 is an emergency health helpline number we can ring for advice. They assess if you need to see a Dr, go to hospital etc & government advice is phone them if there's a possibility you could have the coronovirus. I agree with you, even if there's the slightest chance of having coronovirus, the poster should get checked out, airports are a breeding ground for germs/viruses.

[Dolphin14 in reply to Lezzers]

Agree, airports are not the best place even without a crisis going on.

[Lezzers in reply to Dolphin14]

Apparently there was a TV programme recently bout airports & viruses, coronovirus in particular. The security trays are the biggest harbinger of germs as they're handled by thousands of people, one after the other after the other. How many people would have sneezed into their hands and then handled one!!

[Hidden in reply to Lezzers]

I’m very wary of toilets, for example washing my paws and then using them to open the toilet door reinfecting them with germs 🦠

[Kimkat in reply to Hidden]

Agree, once I’ve washed my hands I always use some loo roll to open the door then throw it into the nearest bin.

[Dolphin14 in reply to Hidden]

Good point. So many things to think about when trying to keep our hands clean. We just have to do our best and hope for the best.

[Dolphin14 in reply to Lezzers]

Isn't it amazing how many people sneeze or cough in their hands? I see it all the time in day to day life. When it happens in the supermarket I cringe.

I hope you and your husband are well. Be safe out there.

[Potatohead123]

Hi Kimkat. Yes we did contact 111 after grandson came back from school skiing trip, he had cough and sore throat. It took them 24 hours to respond, which was Thursday. Said he would be tested on Sunday 1st March(tomorrow). In meantime self isolate for all the family. Then it would take 4 days for results to come through, that means 1 week for this to happen! I am obviously quite worried as I am a Chronic asthmatic!!!!

Fortunately as of this moment on Saturday morning, nothing has escalated.

God help us. Don't think 111 will be able to cope with pandemic. Everyone look after yourselves as much as possible.

Patricia

[Kimkat in reply to Potatohead123]

Hi, I was just wondering how you’re grandson is?

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

I hope you can get through and speak to someone on the 111 helpline soon.

I have just seen my husband off to France on a skiing holiday

I sent him with a packet of tissues and a very forceful strict instruction to keep washing his hands!

[Auiron]

Coronavirus: UK advice, symptoms, tests and treatment - in five graphics

29 February 2020

bbc.com/news/uk-51674696

[Potatohead123]

Thanks for asking about grandson. The swab team eventually arrived on Tuesday afternoon. He was feeling ok and went back to school on Wednesday (after talking to them first). We have not had any results yet. However I must admit I am scared. What can one do when living with family and everyone out and about all day, on Tubes, buses etc. Having read stories of how it has affected some young healthy people, I am trying to be sensible, but reality tells me it doesn't look good.

[Kimkat]

Yes I know what you mean. On one hand we’re told not to panic but the figures aren’t looking good according to last nights news. I suppose we just have to keep up the hand sanitising and to be sensible.