We’ve all seen the headlines about COVID-19 (coronavirus). Our priority is supporting anyone affected by Huntington’s disease. We have gathered information on these pages from official UK government and public health sources. At times like this, it is vital to only share information that has been approved by official sources.

 

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It's caused by a virus called coronavirus. It is a virus strain, first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China that has spread in people since December 2019.

The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of:

• new continuous cough and/or
• high temperature
• loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste

As with new viruses, researchers around the globe are working hard to understand COVID-19. Similar viruses are spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. COVID-19 may spread when people are carrying the virus but are not showing any of the symptoms (cough, high temperature). People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).

 

Is there a treatment?

Researchers are currently working on a vaccine for COVID-19 but at present, there is no specific treatment and antibiotics do not help, as they do not work against viruses. 

There are things you can do to help reduce the risk of you and anyone you live with getting ill with COVID-19

• Wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
• Use hand sanitiser gel, if soap and water are not available
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
• Put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
• Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean 
• Wear a face mask where required
• Only get your information from official sources
• Remain positive – it can be worrying to read about the spread of COVID-19 but following UK Government and Public Health guidance will help you stop the spread of the virus 

 

Current COVID-19 guidance

There are currently national restrictions in place in England effective from 5 November 2020 to combat rising numbers of COVID-19 cases and control the spread of the virus. In addition to the closure of a number of non-essential businesses and venues, people in England must:

• Stay home, except for specific purposes
• Avoiding meeting people they do not live with / have formed a support bubble with
• Remember to carry out three key actions - wash hands, cover face and make space.

In Wales, following the short, sharp national firebreak introduced to help regain control of COVID-19 which has now come to an end, people in Wales are asked to:

• Stay out of other people’s homes, except in very limited circumstances
• Limit the times they leave their home, and the distance they travel
• Limit the number of people they see (It is better to see the same one or two people regularly than to see lots of different people occasionally)
• Maintain social distancing, including outdoors
• Meet people outdoors rather than indoors where possible, even in circumstances where the law allows it
• Work from home if possible
• Wash hands regularly

You will have heard the terms social distancing, self-isolation and shielding used a lot at the moment. All are very important in order to protect you and others from COVID-19 but what are they, and which should you be doing? Find out more below.