Coronavirus can be difficult to pin-point when you’ve come down with what might be a cold – or an infection from SARS-CoV-2. Dr Hilary reveals what a persistent cough really is.
Addressing the nation on Good Morning Britain, Dr Hilary answers most of Briton’s burning questions regarding the pandemic.
Specialising in health, Dr Hilary gave the low-down on what a persistent cough really is.
The NHS list two symptoms of Covid-19: a fever and a new, dry continuous cough.
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It elaborates that a fever means “hot to touch on the back or chest”.
But what is a persistent cough supposed to look and sound like? And is it any different from a normal cough?
Dr Hilary revealed: “What I mean by a persistent cough, is a cough that would be five or six times an hour, for at least half a day and more than that, probably two days.”
He continued: “It’s a new cough, a dry cough, it’s not a productive cough with phlegm.
“It’s come out of the blue, it’s persistent, you’re coughing a lot every hour, for at least half a day, but probably longer than that.”
The NHS states a new, continuous cough “means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours”.
It adds: “If you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual.”
Anybody who develops a new, persistent dry cough – that matches Dr Hilary’s or the NHS’s description of what that means – needs to self isolate.
People displaying symptoms of Covid-19 need to self isolate for seven days following the first sign of infection.
This seven-day period of self-isolation restricts you to only leave your home once a day for a form of exercise.
And while doing so, you must keep at least two meters away from other people.
You’ll need to arrange food delivery or medicine drop-offs, because you’re not permitted to leave the house for any other reason except for exercise during this time.
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The week of self-isolation is to help protect others from catching the infection.
Those living in your household must also self-isolate, but for 14 days, from the moment you present symptoms of Covid-19.
A cough may persist longer than seven days, but it’s fine to remove yourself from self-isolation after a week if you don’t have a fever.
The reasons behind such government measures is to help curb the spread of Covid-19, reduce the strain on the NHS and to save lives.
You can show your support for the NHS by joining in the weekly Clap For Our Carers.
Clap For Our Carers is a campaign that involves Britons applauding the NHS staff for helping people during the coronavirus pandemic.
The nation puts their hands together every Thursday evening at 8pm.
It’s a great way to feel the community spirit, with the sound of clapping, whooping and cheering fill the otherwise empty streets of Britain.
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