Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Over recent weeks, we have seen the number of infections in the community rise across the country, and Rotherham is no different. COVID-19 is still circulating and safety remains our highest priority at our GP practices and healthcare settings.

After 19 July you are still required to wear a face covering (unless exempt) when attending health services. Removal of the legal requirement doesn’t mean that we should stop our current behaviours around social distancing and the use of masks.

The Delta variant is becoming more common in our community and pressures on our health and care services are rising, so we can’t assume the pandemic is over yet. Please be kind our practice and wider health and care staff – continuing to follow the guidance is for their safety and yours.

Despite the fantastic progress of our local vaccination programme, we need to ensure we continue to get on top of the virus – and wearing a mask in health and care settings really helps.

If you haven’t had your first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine yet, please take up the opportunity at one of Rotherham vaccination sites.

More information from the NHS website

What to do if you think you have coronavirus

  • If you have one or more of these coronavirus symptoms you MUST self-isolate and book a test straight away.
    • a high temperature
    • a new, continuous cough
    • a loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste
    Book a test

It’s vital that we all follow the latest coronavirus guidance. For the latest local information on the guidance please go to the Rotherham council website.

We can all help to prevent the spread of the virus by following these three simple actions:

  • Wash hands – keep washing your hands regularly
  • Cover face – wear a face covering in enclosed spaces
  • Make space – stay at least 2 metres apart, or 1 metre with a face covering

HANDS

FACE

SPACE

Long-term affects of coronavirus (Long-COVID)

For some people, coronavirus (COVID-19) can cause symptoms that last weeks or months after the infection has gone,  this is called “long-COVID”

About Long-COVID

How long it takes to recover from coronavirus is different for everybody.  Many people feel better in a few days or weeks and most will make a full recovery within 12 weeks. But for some people, symptoms can last longer.  The chances of having long-term symptoms does not seem to be linked to how ill you are when you first get coronavirus.  People who had mild symptoms at first can still have long-term problems.

Symptoms of Long-COVID

  • extreme tiredness (fatigue)
  • shortness of breath
  • chest pain or tightness
  • problems with memory and concentration ("brain fog")
  • difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
  • heart palpitations
  • dizziness
  • pins and needles
  • joint pain
  • depression and anxiety
  • tinnitus, earaches
  • feeling sick, diarrhoea, stomach aches, loss of appetite
  • a high temperature, cough, headaches, sore throat, changes to sense of smell or taste
  • rashes

Do you think you have Long-COVID?

If you are experiencing long COVID symptoms 12 weeks or more after having coronavirus, please contact your GP practice. We are working with Rotherham Hospital and GP practices to provide a Long-COVID service in Rotherham. Your GP practice will assess your symptoms and make appropriate referral based on your needs.  This may be a referral for further treatment or advice on how to self manage your symptoms.