Is shortness of breath or pain when breathing a symptom of coronavirus?
CORONAVIRUS continues to ravage the country with Prime Minister Boris Johnson now in intensive care after struggling to recover from the killer bug.
Covid-19 has already taken the lives of more than 6,000 people in the UK with key symptoms including a dry cough and fever. But is shortness of breath another of those symptoms?
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Is shortness of breath or pain when breathing a symptom of coronavirus?
Shortness of breath is a sign you could be suffering Covid-19, according to the NHS and WHO.
It can also be a sign of other, less serious conditions, but if you notice you're struggling to breathe, it's important to get it checked.
Breathlessness is one of three common signs of coronavirus.
Boris Johnson was admitted to intensive care on April 6, after his breathing became strained and doctors decided the PM needed oxygen to breathe.
It is considered one of the "big three" along with constant coughing and a fever.
The advice from the NHS is to first isolate just in case you do have coronavirus, including those you live with as they may have also contracted it.
What should I do if I have shortness of breath, fever or coughing?
If you live alone and develop symptoms it is recommended to stay at home for seven days after symptoms begin.
If you live with others, everyone in the house must stay at home and not leave for 14 days.
Studies show that people have coronavirus without symptoms for five days on average.
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What should I do if I only have shortness of breath?
If you are worried about symptoms you can go through the NHS 111 online service.
To protect others, do not go to places like a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
If you do notice your breathing is getting more strained and you are struggling, call NHS 111 and seek medical advice. If you cannot breathe dial 999.
Shortness of breath can be a sign that coronavirus is becoming worse, and in some cases it will be necessary to go into hospital.
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What are other symptoms of coronavirus?
A high temperature or fever is one of the most common symptoms of Covid-19.
This means that if your chest or back is hot without the need of a thermometer.
Heavy coughing is also another common sign, where people suffer regular fits of coughing.
If you are coughing for more than an hour, suffer three coughing episodes in a 24-hour window or are coughing more than usual, you may have the virus.