Ballincollig
Family Practice

When should I get a coronavirus test?

If you develop any of the following symptoms and there is no other obvious cause:

• Fever

• Cough - this can be any kind of cough, not just dry

• Shortness of breath

• Loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
   

If you develop symptoms, you should self-isolate to stop the spread of coronavirus. Phone us straightaway to discuss your symptoms and we will advise whether you need a test for coronavirus. Getting an early diagnosis means you can get the help you need and take steps to avoid spreading the virus, if you have it.

​

If you have been referred for a coronavirus test

• You should self-isolate and your household contacts need to restrict their movements.

• You should receive an SMS from the HSE with an appointment time and location. If you do not receive this SMS within 24 hours please contact us.

• If you start to feel very unwell, particularly if you become short of breath, contact us immediately on (021) 4870808. If it is outside of normal working hours contact South Doc on 1850 335 999. If you feel very short of breath and cannot reach anyone call the emergency services on 112 or 999.

• You will receive your test result from the HSE. If you test positive you will be contacted by the Department of Public Health.

​

COVID-19 ​Useful Links

​​

• General advice regarding COVID-19
   

• Advice for people with COVID-19 and their contacts
   

• COVID-19 factsheets
   

• Self-isolation - information for people who require self-isolation (either because they have symptoms suggestive of COVID-19; are awaiting a coronavirus test; have a positive coronavirus test)
   

• Restricting your movements - household contacts of people with suspected or proven COVID-19 must restrict their movements
   

• Back to school advice for parents
   

• Return to school parental declaration form - for children returning to school following an absence, a doctor's letter should not be needed in most cases; a parental declaration that their child is felt to be well and that they have followed medical and public health advice should suffice
   

• Isolation Quick Guide - a useful reference for parents of children with viral symptoms explaining who in the household needs to isolate and for how long
   

• COVID-19 social welfare services -  apply online for Illness Benefit if you are ill from COVID-19 or if you have been medically certified to self-isolate by one of our doctors
   

• Face coverings - how to and when to wear them