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 
• 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 

Stay alert

On 23 March 2020, the Prime Minister announced that we must all 'stay at home' to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to reduce the burden on the NHS. On 10 May 2020, when some lockdown restrictions were eased, the Prime Minister informed we must now 'stay alert'.

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.