If you think you or someone you know has symptoms, consult NHS 111 Wales symptom checker at: https://111.wales.nhs.uk/SelfAssessments/symptomcheckers/COVID19.aspx
The most common Coronavirus symptoms are having one or more of the following:
What is a new continuous cough?
The NHS define a new continuous cough as:
What is a high temperature?
A high temperature will measure above 37.8°C (100°F) on a thermometer and feel hot to the touch on the chest or back.
What is anosmia?
A loss or change in your sense of smell. Taste can also be affected as these are closely linked.
The impact of COVID-19 varies from person to person. It is very normal for your body and mind to take some time to recover. Here is some advice.
Moving
As with many illnesses, people tend to rest or stay in bed more. This can result in muscle loss and feeling more tired than usual. It is important to ease back into exercising as quickly as possible to build muscles back up.
As you begin to recover, regular movement is key, little and often is best. Start to reintroduce normal daily activities. Gradually increase the amount you walk as you get stronger.
Breathlessness
Breathlessness is a normal response to being active, but it is also normal to experience when doing simpler tasks after having a lung infection. It is important that you don’t avoid activities that make you breathless, but you should use how breathless you feel to guide how much activity you do.
Tiredness and energy
You may find you do not have as much energy following being unwell and you might get tired very quickly. This is normal, allow yourself and your body time to recover.
Recovery is a balance between rest and activity. If you have a daily routine that is no longer possible, set a new one for now and follow it. Slowly change it back to your normal routine when you can, do not rush.
Eating and drinking
Good nutrition and hydration are very important to help support your body when you are unwell, as well as supporting you to recover.
If you are struggling to eat enough, or if you are losing weight or strength in your muscles, you may need to think differently about the foods you are eating.
Take small, frequent sips of fluids every few minutes if you are not able to drink large amounts at one time.
Get plenty of vitamins and minerals; these support the immune system. Try to include 5 different portions of fruit and veg in your daily diet and possibly consider supplements. Going outside and getting vitamin D is also good if possible.
Sleep
It is very important to have regular sleep in order to keep your body and mind healthy. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
Try to get up and spend time in another room when not sleeping if possible.
Avoid screens such as your phone or TV for an hour before bed. Try reading or listening to the radio.
Returning to work
People will feel able to return to work at different times and this will depend on how you are recovering and what your job is. If you have been very unwell you might have to take longer off work than you initially thought to allow your body and mind to recover well. You may require a gradual return to work, so speak to your manager and get Occupational Health/GP advice if required. Please follow local and national guidance on self-isolation in relation to COVID-19 before returning to work.