Information for patients on COVID-19

Patients and members of the public seeking information on coronavirus and COVID-19 can find valuable advice and an informative overview of the situation on the websites of their local health authorities.

COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It’s caused by a virus called coronavirus.

What can you do yourself:

  • Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap
  • Cough and sneeze in your elbow
  • Use paper tissues
  • Do not touch others
  • Keep a distance of 1.5 meters from other people
  • Stay at home when you have cold symptoms, instant loss of smell, fever or new cough
  • Do not go to your GP or hospital. If you think you are infected call first and ask what to do.

Keep using your medication

Patients are advised to keep using their medication like nasal corticosteroids, antihistamines and antibiotics.

When you use systemic corticosteroids: consult your doctor whether to use them when you have symptoms to could point to a COVID-19 infection.

Advice for patients with new onset anosmia during COVID-19 pandemic

ENT surgeons across the globe have shared reports that they have seen a peak in patients reporting anosmia in the last month, We believe this is related to COVID-19 infection. At present , many affected patients do not have other symptoms, or only mild disease and therefore do not meet the criteria for testing. While may be caused by other viruses, we think that it is reasonable to assume that COVID-19 is the cause until tests prove negative. We therefore advise that patients follow current guidelines for self-isolating if they develop new onset anosmia. This will also apply to co-habiting friends or family. For more information read here