With the spread of the Coronavirus across the globe in recent months, it is imperative that we know how to protect ourselves and stop the virus from spreading further.
With the spread of the Coronavirus across the globe in recent months, it is imperative that we know how to protect ourselves and stop the virus from spreading further.
We all must adhere to the precautions that have been set out by our Government in recent times. We must work together by staying apart.
We must all play our part in slowing this virus down, protecting our loved ones and ‘flatten the curve’.
We need to educate ourselves on this novel virus in relation to the manner in which it spreads and the symptoms that we need to look out for.
How it is spread?
Coronavirus is spread in sneeze or cough droplets. You could get the virus if you:
come into close contact with someone who has the virus and is coughing or sneezing
touch surfaces that someone who has the virus has coughed or sneezed on and bring your unwashed hands to your face (eyes, nose or mouth)
It is thought the virus can survive for up to two days if someone coughs or sneezes on a surface.
Simple house hold disinfectants will kill the virus on surfaces.
What are the symptoms of the Coronavirus?
Covid-19 Coronavirus has an incubation period of two-weeks meaning it can take this long for the symptoms to appear. These include:
Dry cough
Fever (Temp of 38 degrees or over)
Shortness of breath
Difficulty breathing.
If you experience two symptoms, the HSE has advised us to:
Self isolate from others in the home, in a different room, preferably with a bathroom and good ventilation.
Phone your local GP and they will ask all relevant questions.
If it is felt that you may be at risk, your GP will arrange for you to be tested.
GPs will not accept anyone who physically calls to them, all communication is to be made over the phone.
If you do not have a current GP you can find one here: https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/maps/
How do I protect myself?
Wash hands regularly with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds.
If it is not possible to wash your hands, use hand sanitiser.
Cough or sneeze into your elbow and if you sue a tissue dispose of it immediately and wash hands.
Avoid touching eyes and mouth.
Follow guidelines in relation to travel from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/coronavirus/
Do I need to wear a mask ?
The only reason you need to wear a face mask is if you have or may have the virus.
Otherwise there is no need to wear a mask as there is no evidence to show that it provides any benefit to the wearer.
For more info on coronavirus please visit the HSE website -
If you need further support remember to let us help you here at Talk To Tom We can be your guide - contact us on (0818) 303061or via Whats App. To launch a chat now click here. You can find out more about our counselling service here.
Other service you where you can reach someone to talk to are:
Samaritans offers a 24 hour listening service over text message, text 'Hello' to 087 260 9090 to get started (standard text messaging rates apply) or call 116 123 to talk to someone over the phone.
Childline text and instant messaging services are available from 10am - 4am every day to young people under 18, text 'Talk' to 50101 to talk to a trained counsellor by text message or call 1800 66 66 66.
Visit Your GP:
We always recommend that you visit your GP if you have suicidal feelings. Don’t feel embarrassed or ashamed. Your doctor is a professional health care provider and will be familiar with how you are feeling. You mental health is just that - your health. You would visit your GP if you had been feeling physically unwell right ? Your emotional health is just as important as your physical well-being - in fact the two go hand in hand. If you don’t have a current GP you can find a list of services in your area here. You can also contact the CareDoc service on 1850 334 999
Contact the Emergency Services:
If you are an immediate danger to yourself and are going through a suicidal crisis please contact the emergency services by dialling 999 or visit your nearest Emergency Department.