Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Coronavirus, and other respiratory infections such as flu, can spread easily and cause serious illness in some people. Vaccinations are very effective at preventing serious illness from coronavirus. But there’s still a chance you might catch coronavirus, or another respiratory infection, and pass it on to other people.



have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to go to work or carry out normal activities

Try to do this until you no longer have a high temperature (if you had one) or until you feel better.

Symptoms of coronavirus include:

continuous cough high temperature, fever or chills loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell shortness of breath unexplained tiredness, lack of energy muscle aches or pains that are not due to exercise not wanting to eat or not feeling hungry headache that’s unusual or longer lasting than usual sore throat, stuffy or runny nose diarrhoea feeling sick or being sick

How to help your symptoms

Do drink fluids like water to keep yourself hydratedget plenty of restwear loose, comfortable clothing – don’t try to make yourself too coldtake over-the-counter medications like paracetamol – always follow the manufacturer’s instructions

Antibiotics will not relieve your symptoms or speed up your recovery.

You might continue to have a cough or feel tired after your other symptoms have improved. This does not mean that you’re still infectious.

Phone 999 or to go A&E if: You or your child: seems very unwell, is getting worse or you think there’s something seriously wrong – children and babies in particular can get unwell very quickly gets sudden chest pain is so breathless they’re unable to say short sentences when resting, or breathing suddenly gets worse – in babies their stomach may suck under their ribs starts coughing up blood collapses, faints, or has a seizure or fit for the first time has a rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it, the same as meningitis

Speak to your GP if: your symptoms worsen you’re concerned about your symptoms you have symptoms that you can no longer manage at home you’re worried about your child, especially if they’re under 2 years If your GP is closed, phone 111. In an emergency phone 999.

It’s particularly important to get help if you’re at increased risk of becoming more unwell from coronavirus such as if you’re pregnant, aged 60 or over, or have a weakened immune system.

Symptoms

To prevent the spread of coronavirus, try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have symptoms of a respiratory infection such as coronavirus and you:

have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to go to work or carry out normal activities

Try to do this until you no longer have a high temperature (if you had one) or until you feel better.

Symptoms of coronavirus include:

continuous cough high temperature, fever or chills loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell shortness of breath unexplained tiredness, lack of energy muscle aches or pains that are not due to exercise not wanting to eat or not feeling hungry headache that’s unusual or longer lasting than usual sore throat, stuffy or runny nose diarrhoea feeling sick or being sick

How to help your symptoms

Do drink fluids like water to keep yourself hydratedget plenty of restwear loose, comfortable clothing – don’t try to make yourself too coldtake over-the-counter medications like paracetamol – always follow the manufacturer’s instructions

Antibiotics will not relieve your symptoms or speed up your recovery.

You might continue to have a cough or feel tired after your other symptoms have improved. This does not mean that you’re still infectious.

Phone 999 or to go A&E if: You or your child: seems very unwell, is getting worse or you think there’s something seriously wrong – children and babies in particular can get unwell very quickly gets sudden chest pain is so breathless they’re unable to say short sentences when resting, or breathing suddenly gets worse – in babies their stomach may suck under their ribs starts coughing up blood collapses, faints, or has a seizure or fit for the first time has a rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it, the same as meningitis

Speak to your GP if: your symptoms worsen you’re concerned about your symptoms you have symptoms that you can no longer manage at home you’re worried about your child, especially if they’re under 2 years If your GP is closed, phone 111. In an emergency phone 999.

It’s particularly important to get help if you’re at increased risk of becoming more unwell from coronavirus such as if you’re pregnant, aged 60 or over, or have a weakened immune system.