Being Prepared for Coronavirus in 2021

With COVID-19 cases on the rise recently and a second lockdown upon us, it is essential that government guidance is followed to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. You might do everything right; stay at home, wash your hands regularly, maintain distance but, there is still a chance that you could contract COVID-19 because it is easily transmitted.  Also, whilst most of us are trying our best to stay indoors, it can sometimes be impractical.  You may be unable to work from home, you may work on the frontline or may pick it up during a supermarket shop. 

Whilst most people who catch COVID-19 do not require hospitalisation, symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable. Those who have tested positive for COVID-19 have reported symptoms of varying degrees, from no symptoms at all to long-suffering and ongoing symptoms including fatigue, a loss of smell or taste, a continuous cough and a high temperature. 

The Importance of Being Prepared for COVID-19

If you do catch COVID-19, you are required to self isolate for at least 10 days from the date of your positive test result. Anybody who has been in contact with somebody who has tested positive or is displaying symptoms of coronavirus must self isolate for 14 days from the date of contact. If you have not had a coronavirus test but are displaying symptoms of the virus you should also isolate for 14 days. 

Self-isolation means that you are not allowed to leave your home for anything. The NHS website states that while self-isolating:

• do not go to work, school or public places – work from home if you can
• do not go on public transport or use taxis
• do not go out to get food and medicine – order it online or by phone, or ask someone to bring it to your home
• do not have visitors in your home, including friends and family – except for people providing essential care
• do not go out to exercise – exercise at home or in your garden, if you have one

This shows the importance of being prepared for coronavirus as you may be caught off guard and unable to go out. This is especially important when it comes to medicine required to manage the symptoms of coronavirus. Whilst you can order medication online, it may take a few days and the likelihood is you will need it immediately. 

We recently received a testimonial detailing just that:

“I am a busy working Mum juggling a career alongside looking after a 2 year old.  I don’t have family that live nearby and we throw a packet of paracetamol in the trolley now and again when we do the weekly shop.

My partner and I both started with a bit of a headache and aches and pains and didn’t think much of it.  The next day I had a temperature and a cough starting and due to the fact my toddler is in nursery and I work in healthcare we thought we had better get a COVID test.  It wasn’t until this point that is dawned on us that we couldn’t leave the house for the next 2 weeks if we got a positive test result.  We didn’t have medication at home to be prepared for this scenario as you go about life hoping ‘it won’t happen to me’.  I had to call a favour from a neighbour to bring 16 paracetamol to get us through the next 24 hrs.  When our positive tests results came back we placed an order with Weldrick’s for our child’s pain relief, cough medicine, ibuprofen and paracetamol.  In hindsight, I wish I had been more prepared for this scenario and stocked up in advance to make our isolation easier.`` 

We recommend stocking up on medication that can help you to manage the symptoms of coronavirus should you find yourself, or someone within your household, contracts it. You should also discuss with your doctor about any prescription medications you use, as they will decide whether it is important for you to be given products in advance in case of a positive covid-19 result, or options for patients to receive their medication while self-isolating. 

We offer a wide range of cough, cold and flu treatments in-store and online that can help you to manage the symptoms of coronavirus. Visit one of our branches or order online. Do not visit the pharmacy if you or anybody in your household is displaying symptoms of coronavirus. Instead, you can call your local pharmacy or speak to your GP by calling your practice. 

Managing Coronavirus Symptoms

COVID-19 can result in symptoms such as a continuous cough and a high temperature. There are many over the counter medications available that can help to alleviate symptoms.

When treating a high temperature the NHS recommends that you get a lot of rest, drink plenty of fluids (preferably water), and take paracetamol or ibuprofen. They also recommend that paracetamol should be tried first as it has fewer reported side effects than ibuprofen. Always read the medication leaflet before taking.

When managing a cough at home try not to lay on your back as this can make it worse. Honey can be used as a natural remedy to soothe the throat however you should not give this to babies under 12 months.

We also offer a number of cough treatments that can help soothe the throat and reduce coughing. Dry coughs are the most common when it comes to coronavirus, medicines such as Benylin Dry Cough Syrup helps to suppress the coughing mechanism, reducing the urge to cough and may be a good option for some. Alternatively, products such as Covonia Dry and Tickly Cough Linctus coat the throat, helping to soothe it. Always read the medication leaflet before use. Products are not always suitable for all people.  If you are not sure if the product is right for you, speak to a pharmacist or GP before use. 

Breathlessness is also a common complaint amongst those with COVID-19 symptoms. If you feel breathless, you can try opening a window (do not use a fan as this can spread the virus), sitting upright can also help, as well as ensuring your posture is not hunched as this can restrict your ability to breathe properly.

If breathlessness does not improve, call 111 for further advice and next steps. If you are having difficulty breathing, you should call 999 as this could be a sign of a serious coronavirus symptoms or another medical emergency that requires medical attention

Preventing Coronavirus

Whilst it is important to be prepared in the event that you or someone in your household does show coronavirus symptoms or has a positive test result, there are steps that you can take to reduce the risk. Read our blog post on hygiene tips to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Furthermore, by following government guidance to stay at home, wash your hands frequently and maintain social distancing then you reduce your likelihood of exposure to the virus. We offer products such as hand sanitiser, disposable face masks and reusable face masks that can help you stay safe. 

There have been some recent studies that suggest vitamin D  deficiency is common amongst those suffering from COVID-19 however the NHS states that:

“There have been some reports about vitamin D reducing the risk of coronavirus (COVID-19). But there is currently not enough evidence to support taking vitamin D to prevent or treat coronavirus.”

They do still recommend taking vitamin D supplements during the winter months as vitamin D deficiency is likely after spending more time indoors this year than usual. We get vitamin D naturally from the sun, therefore deficiency is especially common during winter months when sunlight is reduced. You can also get vitamin D from foods such as oily fish, egg yolks and red meat.

For more information on any of our products, get in touch with one of our expert team!

Sources

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-and-treatment/when-to-self-isolate-and-what-to-do/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-and-treatment/how-to-treat-symptoms-at-home/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-d/