NHS boss busts Coronavirus myths

Scotland's NHS chief says he expects Coronavirus restrictions on day to day life to last until after the summer.

The Scottish Government's Clinical Director, Professor Jason Leitch, was answering listeners questions on the Ewen Cameron Breakfast Show on Northsound 2.

Asked about the likelihood of futher restrictions he said: "I think if the Scottish public do what we're asking then I'm not sure we'll need to take the next step.

"We're hoping the virus has gradual spread over the next two to three months and then we'll come out of it and the health service will manage because we'll be able to keep it at a level where we can treat the really sick.

"Viruses don't like heat and so we're hoping that even in Scotland it won't like our summer and that willl make it easier for us. We're in this for the long haul, but it won't be forever."

He stressed the importance of following the Scottish Government's latest advice on social distancing.

"The virus spreads much more in small groups. That's why we're telling people to stay out of pubs and restaurants. I've got to get my saliva, or blow my nose, onto you for you to get the virus. You can't get it passing in a corridor or just walking past somebody.

Professor Leitch said the advice is broken down into four groups.

"People who are symptomatic need to be in the house, locked away until your symptoms are over, 14 days isolation. We want those people to be really careful for us because they're the people who could have the virus.

"There are 200,000 people in Scotland who are immun-compromised - like those having chaemotherapy - and they're getting letters from the NHS telling them what to do. I'm really worried about them because they're prone to infection.

"The over-70s, people who get the flu jag and pregnant women should be very serious about social distancing because they they are at risk. This virus is not fun - we're not messing around. It's a proper thing.

"Everyone else with no underlying conditions should take social distancing seriously to protect themselves and also to protect group number three, because they're the ones who are going to be most at risk"

He also used the appearance on the programme to bust some of the myths which are being shared online about Covid-19, particularly what appears to be conflicting advice about whether it is unsafe to take ibuprofen if you have the virus.

"It's fake news. If you've got Ibuprofen for your hip, neck or back you can absolutely continue to take it. There is some slight evidence that in viral disease if you get a fever paracetamol is probably the best to take"

"You can't get it twice - there were a couple of weird cases in Japan. Don't look at social media for too long - take it easy. Look at verified sources and people who understand what they're talking about."

Hear all the latest news from the North East of Scotland on Northsound 1. Listen on FM, via our Rayo app, DAB, or smart speaker.

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