Paracetamol should only be used by someone who has Covid-19 if they are miserable with a fever, Dr Marie Finn, a GP has said, because there is evidence to show that a high temperature may reduce the rate of replication of the virus.

Speaking on RTÉ's Today with Seán O'Rourke Dr Finn suggested people should take plenty of fluids and stay in a cool room. She advised NOT to use a fan, due to the aerosolised nature of the droplet based virus.

She said if people are suffering with a cough, they try to use non drug-treatment, like honey and lemon, and should lie on their tummy, or to try sleeping sitting up.

GPs will often offer an antibiotic she said, in order to make sure that they are not missing another illness, like secondary community acquired pneumonia.

As Dr Finn outlined the three stages of Covid-19, she stressed the need for people to contact their doctor if they reach the third stage.