Coronavirus (not including COVID-19)

Please click the frequently asked questions below for further information and IPC precautions required:

• What is Coronavirus?

  Common human coronaviruses, including types 229E, NL63, OC43, and HKU1, usually cause mild to moderate upper-respiratory tract illnesses, like the common cold. Most people get infected with one or more of these viruses at some point in their lives. This information applies to common human coronaviruses and should not be confused with COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic.

  

• How does it spread?

  Coronaviruses are usually spread from an infected person to others through:

  • close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
  • droplets by coughing and sneezing
  • touching an object or surface with adenoviruses on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands
• What are the symptoms of Coronavirus?
  • runny nose
  • sore throat
  • headache
  • fever
  • cough
  • general feeling of being unwell

  Coronaviruses can sometimes cause lower-respiratory tract illnesses, such as pneumonia or bronchitis. This is more common in people with cardiopulmonary disease, people with weakened immune systems, infants, and older adults.

• Why is this important?

  If NIAS staff are aware that the patient has a suspected or confirmed case this should be communicated to the Control Room (Emergency or Non-emergency as appropriate) and the staff in the receiving unit when transferring the patient to ensure effective patient care and management.

• IPC Precautions
  • Droplet precautions should be used
  • Hand Hygiene should be completed as per the 5 moments in line with usual practice.
  • Eye protection should be risk assessed for any concern regarding a splash risk.
  • A Fluid Resistant Surgical Mask should be worn.
  • Gloves and Aprons should be worn.
  • The patient should be transported via ambulance with no other patients present and asked to wear a FRSM if tolerated and does not interfere with treatment.
  • Laundry should be treated as contaminated, placed into an alginate bag and placed into a red laundry bag.
• What cleaning is required?

  All equipment and the ambulance should have an in-between patient clean paying particular attention to touch points.

• Do staff need prophylaxis or follow up?

  If appropriate PPE is worn there is no follow up required for staff.

  If staff have had a breach in PPE they should remain vigilant for any signs or symptoms. There is no prophylaxis required.