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COVID-19 Important Customer Updates
All our stores are open and our Pharmacy Teams are here to help
To ensure both customer and staff safety we are implementing a screening process across all our pharmacies. This is to ensure efficient service and minimise time spent in the pharmacy.
- Our store opening times may change – check back here for details
- Use contactless payments where possible and be mindful of social distancing when in-store.
- Download our App to order scripts ahead of calling to store. https://www.mccauley.ie/pharmacy-app
What Is Coronavirus?
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. The risk to individuals in Ireland is currently low, but it’s important to know what to do to help stop the spread of infection.
Symptons Of Coronavirus?
It can take up to 14 days for symptoms of coronavirus to appear.
Look out for one, some or all of the main symptoms:
- a cough - this can be any kind of cough, not just dry
- shortness of breath
- breathing difficulties
- fever (high temperature - 38 degrees Celsius or above) or chills
Other symptoms are fatigue, headaches, sore throat, aches and pains.
If you develop symptoms you will need to self-isolate and phone your GP. Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. The GP will assess you over the phone. If they think you need to be tested for coronavirus, they will arrange a test.
Close Contact
This is only a guide but close contact can mean:
- spending more than 15 minutes face-to-face contact within 2 metres of an infected person
- living in the same house or shared accommodation as an infected person
If you have been in close contact with a confirmed case in the last 14 days and you do not have symptoms, you need to restrict your movements. You only need to phone your GP if you have symptoms of coronavirus. Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
When You May Need To Be Tested For Coronavirus
If you develop symptoms you will need to self-isolate and phone your GP. The people in your household need to restrict their movements.
Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. The GP will assess you over the phone. If they think you need to be tested for coronavirus, they will arrange a test.
HSELive is an information line only and can’t order coronavirus tests.
How Coronavirus Is Spread
Coronavirus is spread in sneeze or cough droplets.
You could get the virus if you:
- come into close contact with someone who has the virus and is coughing or sneezing
- touch surfaces that someone who has the virus has coughed or sneezed on
As it's a new illness, we do not know how easily the virus spreads from person to person. Spread is most likely from those who have symptoms.
The virus may only survive a few hours if someone who has it coughs or sneezes on a surface. Simple household disinfectants can kill the virus on surfaces. Clean the surface first and then use a disinfectant.
Follow this advice to protect yourself and others from coronavirus.
Treatment For Coronavirus
There is no specific treatment for coronavirus. But many of the symptoms of the virus can be treated.
Drink plenty of water. Paracetamol or ibuprofen may help with symptoms such as pain or fever.
Paracetamol is usually recommended as the first-line treatment for most people. Before taking any medication you should read the full package leaflet that comes with your medicine. You should also follow any advice a healthcare professional gives you.
If you get the virus, your healthcare professional will advise treatment based on your symptoms.
Antibiotics do not work against coronavirus or any viruses. They only work against bacterial infections.
Supportive treatments, like oxygen therapy, can be given while your own body fights the virus.
How Can I Help To Avoid Catching Or Spreading Germs?
The best way to help prevent infection and avoid being exposed to coronavirus is by following the same steps you would follow to avoid the flu or a cold.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands aren’t clean
• Put used tissues in the bin straightaway
• Wash your hands with soap and water often or use sanitiser gel when you’re out and about
• Try to avoid close contact with people who are ill
• Clean high-touch surfaces, like door handles, light switches and countertops with a disinfectant
• Encourage friends, family members and co-workers who are sick to stay at home
Vaccine
There is currently no vaccine to treat or protect against coronavirus.
The flu vaccine does not protect against coronavirus.
Where Can I Get More Information On Coronavirus?
For the latest government information on coronavirus:
