COVID-19

COVID-19 symptoms are like those of colds and flu. They include a high temperature, a cough and a loss or change to your smell or taste.

To help avoid passing on COVID-19 try staying away from other people or meeting outside until you feel better.

COVID-19 symptoms can include:

• a high temperature – you may feel hot, cold or shivery, or your skin is hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
• a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours
• a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
• shortness of breath
• feeling tired or exhausted
• an aching body
• a headache
• a sore throat
• a blocked or runny nose
• loss of appetite
• diarrhoea
• feeling sick or being sick

The symptoms are very similar to symptoms of other illnesses, such as colds and flu.

Most people feel better within a few weeks, but it can take longer to recover.

For some people, it can be a more serious illness and their symptoms can last longer.

It’s important to wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitiser regularly throughout the day. Try to avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.

If you're at increased risk from COVID-19

If you or your child are at increased risk of getting ill from COVID-19, try to avoid contact with people who have symptoms of COVID-19 until they feel better.

You may also want to:

• open windows and doors if you meet people inside, or meet them outside instead
• stay at least 2 metres away from people (particularly indoors or in crowded places)
• work from home if you can, or talk to your employer about how they can help reduce your risk at work
• wear a face covering when it's hard to stay away from other people
• think about asking people to wear a face covering or take a rapid lateral flow test if you're meeting them inside

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have tested positive, there are things you can do to help you avoid passing it on to other people, including those you live with:

• cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze and encourage children to do this
• regularly clean surfaces you touch often (such as door handles and remote controls) and in shared spaces, such as kitchens or bathrooms
• try to stay away from other people, including those you live with, until you feel better
• let people who need to come into your home know that you’ve tested positive or have symptoms
• think about asking friends, family or neighbours to get food and other essentials for you
• avoid indoor or crowded places (including public transport or large social gatherings) or places where there is not much fresh air if you need to leave your home
• wear a face covering when it's hard to stay away from other people
• let healthcare professionals know about your positive test result or symptoms if you’re asked to attend an appointment in person

The treatments available for people at the highest risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19 are:

• nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir (Paxlovid)
• molnupiravir (Lagevrio)

Nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir, and molnupiravir are antiviral medicines. They come as capsules or tablets that you swallow.

When being assessed for treatment, a doctor will advise which treatment is most suitable for you.

These treatments can help some people manage their COVID-19 symptoms and reduce the risk of becoming seriously ill.

If you need to go into hospital for COVID-19, you may get other treatments.