The symptom appears in more severe cases
The NHS has issued a warning to the public, urging them to seek medical help if they experience a certain Covid symptom for five days or more. This advice is particularly relevant in more severe cases of the illness.
Recent data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) indicates that while Covid cases have seen a slight decrease, the infection continues to circulate at “medium levels”. The rate of COVID-19 in hospitals has also decreased “slightly”, with a weekly positivity rate of 12 per cent compared to the previous week’s 13.1 per cent.
The UKHSA has highlighted that individuals aged 85 and over are most likely to be hospitalised due to Covid. Therefore, it’s crucial to stay vigilant for any Covid symptoms that might require medical intervention. While most people with Covid will recover relatively quickly, lingering symptoms could warrant professional advice.
According to the NHS website, if you or a child have a high temperature that lasts five days or more, or does not reduce with paracetamol, you should request an “urgent” GP appointment or call 111. A high temperature is defined as 38C or above, and you may also notice your chest or back feeling unusually warm, reports the Mirror.
A fever can also result in shivering, sweating, or warm, red skin. In addition to this, the NHS advises calling 111 if:
- You’re worried about your or a child’s COVID-19 symptoms or are not sure what to do
- The symptoms are getting worse or are not getting better
- You or a child have other signs of illness, such as a rash, loss of appetite, or feeling weak
- A child under three months old and has a temperature of 38C or higher, or you think they have a high temperature
- A child three to six months old and has a temperature of 39C or higher, or you think they have a high temperature
Aside from a high temperature, other symptoms of COVID-19 can include:
- A new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three 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 NHS has stated: “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.”
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, the NHS advises trying to stay at home and avoiding contact with other people if you or your child have symptoms and either:
- Have a high temperature
- Do not feel well enough to go to work, school, childcare, or do your normal activities
It further adds: “You can go back to your normal activities when you feel better or do not have a high temperature. If your child has mild symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat or mild cough, and they feel well enough, they can go to school or childcare.”
Vaccines
The criteria for Covid booster jabs this autumn have been updated. Previously, the jab was available to anyone aged 65 and above, as well as those living with various chronic or long-term health conditions.
This year’s full eligibility list for the booster includes people who:
- Are aged 75 or over (including those who will be 75 by January 31, 2026)
- Are aged six months to 74 years and have a weakened immune system due to a medical condition or treatment
- Live in a care home for older adults
If you meet the criteria for the winter COVID-19 vaccine, you can book an appointment online or via the NHS App if you’re aged five years or over. You can also look for your nearest walk-in COVID-19 vaccination centre to get your jab without needing a previous appointment if you’re aged five years or above.
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