What is a ventilator and is Boris Johnson using one?

CORONAVIRUS is continuing its deadly spread and some of its victims are relying on ventilators to keep them alive.

The device is commonly used in intensive care, which prime minister Boris Johnson has since been moved to after his hospitalisation on April 6.

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What exactly is a ventilator?

Ventilators are life saving devices which help patients who cannot breathe properly on their own by pumping air into their lungs.

This machine gets oxygen into the lungs and the body and helps to get rid of carbon dioxide.

How do ventilators work?

A ventilator is connected to the patient through a tube placed into their mouth or nose and inserted into the windpipe (this is known as intubation).

In some cases, patients have surgery to have a hole made in their neck, and a tracheostomy or “trach” tube is inserted through the hole to the trachea.

Is Bors Johnson using a ventilator?

Boris Johnson was taken to the intensive care unit in St Thomas hospital on April 6 after his coronavirus symptoms "worsened".

However, he is not said to be using a ventilator but could if he were unable to breathe on his own.

The Prime Minister had been admitted into St Thomas hospital in South London on April 6 for tests, Downing Street confirmed.

He was taken to hospital on Sunday with "persistent symptoms", including a high temperature.

How do they help coronavirus sufferers?

Covid-19 targets the lungs and can cause complications like pneumonia.

Severe cases will require a ventilator to be able to deliver enough oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Without one, the patient could die.