Your questions about coronavirus answered
The coronavirus poses a global health challenge, unlike any we have seen in a century. And, even though the pandemic is the only topic anybody seems to be talking about, there is a lot of confusing and even contradictory information out there that doesn’t answer our most important questions.
It can be hard to find the information that’s most important for you. We’re here to help you cut through the fake news, and better understand the facts that you need to know.
Where can I get the facts?
You should only get information about coronavirus from reliable sources. There are many people and businesses spreading misinformation without fact checking, so it’s better to stick with official government information or that from your doctor.
You can make sure that you’re always getting the most up to date and accurate information from Zava. Our doctors are continually analysing the latest data to make sure our advice is updated with the most accurate information.
Out with the jargon in with the advice
Buzzwords and jargon are spreading almost as fast as the pandemic itself. You may have heard these terms:
- lockdown: the closure of public places and businesses
- shielding: protecting those most at risk of infection
- social-distancing: remaining two metres apart from each other
- self-isolating: isolating yourself at home when you are sick
‘Risk group’ is a term you might have also heard regularly if you’re elderly. It indicates a person that may be more severely affected by the virus. But did you know that there is more than one type of risk group, and this affects what you’re allowed to do to make sure you’re safe?
The government has broken these down into two groups:
People with an increased risk
You may be at increased risk from coronavirus if you:
- are 70 or older
- are pregnant
- have certain conditions, like asthma or heart disease
People most at risk
This includes people who:
- have had an organ transplant
- are having certain types of cancer treatment
- have blood or bone marrow cancer, such as leukaemia
- have a severe lung condition, such as cystic fibrosis or severe asthma
- have a condition or are taking medicine that makes them much more likely to get infections
- are pregnant and have a serious heart condition
If you’re at increased risk you can still go to shops for basic necessities and medicine (but as infrequently as possible), take one form of exercise a day, go to medical appointments and travel to work (if you can’t work from home).
When you’re ‘most at risk’ things are different because you require ‘shielding’. This is when you need to stay at home at all times, stay two metres away from any people within your home, get food and medicine delivered outside your home and make sure you’re regularly washing your hands and anything you use around the house.
This won’t go on forever
Being told you can’t go about your daily life is frustrating, and not being told how long it will go on for can be even more stressful. Currently, ‘shielding’ will be in place for three months, but this could change. Remember, if you follow the right advice, ignore the fake news and focus on doing your part, this will be over sooner. If you have any questions regarding the coronavirus visit Zava, you can create an account and send our doctors a message without charge for fast advice that you don’t need to leave home for.
