We are still here to help with illness that is unrelated to COVID-19, HOWEVER...
If your think you might have COVID-19, STOP! Don't come to the practice.
Please phone us instead - 091 705180
What is the Coronavirus COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It's caused by a virus called coronavirus.
Symptoms of coronavirus
It can take up to 14 days for symptoms of coronavirus to appear.
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The main symptoms to look out for are:
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a cough - this can be any kind of cough, not just dry
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shortness of breath
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breathing difficulties
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fever (high temperature - 38 degrees Celsius or above) or chills
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If you develop symptoms you will need to self-isolate and phone your GP. Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. The GP will assess you over the phone. If they think you need to be tested for coronavirus, they will arrange a test.
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For people who get infected with coronavirus
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80% will have mild illness and make a full recovery within a few weeks
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14% will have a more severe illness
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6% will have a critical illness
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Protect yourself and others from coronavirus
Coronavirus is spread in sneeze or cough droplets. To infect you, it has to get from an infected person's nose or mouth into your eyes, nose or mouth.
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It’s important to wash your hands properly and often.
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Follow this advice to protect yourself and others from coronavirus
Restricted movements and self-isolation
To help stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) you may need to either restrict your movements or self-isolate.
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Restricted movements means avoiding contact with other people and social situations as much as possible. You will need to do this if you are a close contact of a confirmed case of coronavirus and you are still well.
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Self-isolation means staying indoors and completely avoiding contact with other people. You will need to do this if you have symptoms of coronavirus.
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Testing
Only people who have symptoms of coronavirus will be tested for the virus.
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If you develop symptoms you will need to self-isolate until you can be tested. The people in your household will need to restrict their movements.
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You will either have your test at a community test centre or in your home.
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Treatment
There is no specific treatment for coronavirus. But many of the symptoms of coronavirus can be treated at home. Take any medication you are already taking as usual, unless you are told not to by a healthcare professional.
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Most people who catch coronavirus will experience mild symptoms. They should make a full recovery without needing to go to hospital.
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If your symptoms get worse and you feel very unwell you may need to go to hospital.
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At-risk groups and coronavirus
There are some groups of people who may be more at risk of serious illness if they catch coronavirus. But we do not think these groups have a higher risk of catching coronavirus. This is similar to other infections such as flu.
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Pregnancy and coronavirus
When you are pregnant, your body naturally weakens your immune system. This is to help your pregnancy continue successfully. It means that when you are pregnant you may pick up infections more easily.
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All pregnant women should get the flu vaccine. This will protect you and your baby from the flu, not from coronavirus.
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Children and coronavirus
Encourage your child to wash their hands regularly and properly.
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Follow this advice to prevent your child from catching or spreading viral infections.
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Read this for information on how to care for a child in self-isolation.
Travel and coronavirus
You will need to restrict your movements if you return to Ireland from any country.
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You should also follow the advice from the Department of Foreign affairs if you are thinking about travelling abroad.
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Pets and coronavirus
There is no evidence that pets such as cats and dogs can catch or spread coronavirus.
Interpreting service for deaf people
Deaf Irish Sign Language users can get information about coronavirus using Irish Remote Interpreting Service (IRIS).
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IRIS is available from 9am to 7pm, Monday to Friday and 10am to 4pm on Saturday.
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To access the service using Irish Sign Language, book an appointment or email remote@slis.ie.
This service is for Deaf Irish Sign Language users only.
More information
Department of Health - latest updates on COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
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Department of Foreign Affairs – updated travel information and advice
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The Health Protection Surveillance Centre – information for health professionals