18 Mar Update: COVID-19 – Coronavirus

You are now advised by the HSE to phone your Doctor if you have any symptoms. It is our understanding that the doctors consultation fee will and follow up after any arranged test will be paid by the HSE (Government). If you don’t have a Doctor, it is ok to phone your nearest Doctor for advice under this scheme. For your own safety do not visit the Doctors office or your local pharmacy for advice, stay at home and seek further advice from your doctor.

COVID-19 is a new very contagious respiratory illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It may be referred in the media as a coronavirus.
Of those who do contract this illness, 80% will have only mild symptoms, however some people will need medical attention. If you have any underlying health issues you should observe ‘social distancing’, work from home and don’t unnecessarily mix with other people. Covid-19 is very contagious and a large outbreak would strain our health services, so vigilance, regular hand washing, hygiene and reduced social activities is advised to ensure your safety and our most vulnerable in society.Please take advice from the Health Services website hse.ie to keep you and your family and colleagues safe.

It is important if you suspect you may have contacted the Covid 19 virus to heed HSE advice. Do not present yourself at your doctors office or pharmacy for advice as this can transfer the virus to other people. Again, simply check with the HSE website and follow up to minute advice. If you need information from Miriam Leech Pharmacy please feel free to contact us by phone or email, do not visit the pharmacy for advice and please phone us in advance with your prescription needs so we can ensure you come into as few contacts at the pharmacy as possible. If you are ‘isolating’, elderly or immune compromised, please ask us about home delivery. We will do our best to accommodate you.

The symptoms of coronavirus are:
-a cough
-shortness of breath
-breathing difficulties
-fever (high temperature)

Anyone who knows they have been in close contact with a confirmed case in the last 14 days and has symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, fever) should:

1.isolate themselves from other people – this means going into a different, well-ventilated room, with a phone.

2.Phone their GP, or emergency department – if this is not possible, phone 112 or 999.In a medical emergency (if you have severe symptoms) phone 112 or 999

Close contact means either:
face-to-face contact
spending more than 15 minutes within 2 metres of an infected person
living in the same house as an infected person