Covid symptoms and what to do if you have them
The main symptoms of covid-19 are below. These are recognised by the NHS. If you have any of these symptoms, even mild, it is recommended you stay home.
For the most detailed and up to date information go to the government website
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High temperature
This means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
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A new continuous cough
This means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
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A loss or change to your sense of taste or smell
This means you've noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal
What to do if you have symptoms
The English government has removed remaining covid-19 restrictions. It is still strongly recommend that you stay home if you feel unwell, and continue to wash hands and carry a mask.
Test
You are no longer required to test, and free PCR and lateral flow tests will end for most people from 31st March 2022. You may still be able to purchase tests from pharmacies.
Self isolate
You are longer legally required to self isolate if you have a positive test or are in contact with someone who has covid. However, it is strongly recommended that if you have symptoms or test positive, you should still isolate until you feel better.
When to get help
Get help from NHS 111 if:
you're worried about your symptoms
you're not sure what to do
If you or someone with coronavirus is struggling to breath call 999.
Do you isolate if you live with someone who has coronavirus?
This is a summary of information available on the government website.
You no longer need to self isolate or test if you live with someone who has covid-19.