COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions

With all the media hype it can be confusing to know what you really should be doing to play your part in stoping the spread of COVID-19. We’ve put together a series of FAQ’s to help you out!

What is COVID-19? : COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV2, a new strain of coronavirus that has not previously been identified in humans. It was first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, where it caused a large and ongoing outbreak. It has been declared a global pandemic. The COVID-19 virus is closely related to a bat coronavirus.

Outbreaks of new coronavirus infections among people are always a public health concern. The situation is continually evolving.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. Some coronaviruses cause illness in humans and others cause illness in animals, such as bats, camels and civets. Human coronaviruses generally cause mild illness, such as the common cold. The COVID-19 virus is significantly different from viruses causing the ‘flu (influenza virus) and other respiratory illnesses (for example, RSV, rhinovirus).

What are the common symptoms of COVID-19? : Some common symptoms include ; temperature, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, loss of smell or taste, shortness of breath.

Other reported symptoms of COVID-19 include fatigue, acute blocked nose (congestion), muscle pain, joint pain, headache, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia with severe acute respiratory distress.

While some people don’t develop symptoms at all, for people who do develop symptoms these typically appear five to six days after exposure to the virus. However, it is possible that symptoms can appear anytime from between 1 and 14 days after being exposed to the virus.

What should I do if I think I have COVID-19? : Call the surgery and the doctor on call with arrange for a COVID-19 test. If you are experiencing any symptoms please DO NOT come into the surgery.

How is COVID-19 spread? : The virus can spread from an infected person’s mouth or nose in small liquid particles when they cough, sneeze, speak, sing or breathe heavily. These liquid particles are different sizes, ranging from larger ‘respiratory droplets’ to smaller ‘aerosols’.

People can catch COVID-19 when the virus gets into their mouth, nose or eyes. This is more likely to happen when people are in direct or close contact (less than 1 metre apart) with an infected person. For this reason, we recommend physical distancing of 1.5m and wearing a mask when physical distancing is not possible.

The virus can also spread after infected people sneeze, cough on, or touch surfaces, or objects, such as tables, doorknobs and handrails. Other people may become infected by touching these contaminated surfaces, then touching their eyes, noses or mouths without having cleaned their hands first.

Because COVID-19 is a new disease there is very little existing immunity in our community. This means that COVID-19 can spread widely and quickly.

How does a 14 day period help stop the spread of COVID-19? : The maximum incubation period (the time between being exposed to a virus and becoming sick) for COVID-19 infection is typically 14 days.

Most people who develop symptoms do so five or six days after coming into contact with the virus. However, it is possible that symptoms can appear anytime from between 1 and 14 days after being exposed to the virus. For this reason, people who have been in contact with a confirmed case are being asked to self-isolate for 14 days.

You should still be tested if you develop symptoms after a 14 day self-isolation period.