Pharmacy2U, the UK’s largest online pharmacy has seen a 47% increase in registrations in the first 12 days of February vs the prior 12 days which they believe may be partly due to patients seeking out online services.
Superintendent Pharmacist Phil Day said “Risk of contracting the virus remains low in the UK with only 9 cases reported to date (as at 14th Feb 2020).
Typical symptoms of coronavirus include fever and a cough causing shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. Generally, coronavirus can cause more severe symptoms in people with weakened immune systems, older people, and those with long-term conditions like diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease.
“If you have returned from China, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, or Thailand in the last 14 days, and have any of these symptoms, or if you have come into contact with someone who has been confirmed as having the virus, you should stay at home and call NHS 111 (England), NHS 24 (Scotland) or NHS Direct Wales.
“There’s currently no vaccine for coronavirus, but there are simple things you can do to help stop infections like this being passed on. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, put used tissues in the bin straight away, wash your hands with soap and water often or use a hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available, and avoid close contact with people who are unwell. Pharmacy and GP services can be accessed online if you need them, such as ordering repeat prescriptions and booking appointments. The risk to individuals from coronavirus remains low in the UK, and knowing how to prevent it spreading will hopefully keep it that way.”
