The NHS has clear advice for people who struggle with the symptom for five days
The NHS has urged people to seek medical help if they experience a certain Covid symptom lasting five days. This could occur in more serious cases of illness.
A recent update from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) showed that cases of Covid have decreased slightly but the infection is still circulating at “medium levels”. COVID-19 in hospitals decreased “slightly” with a weekly positivity rate of 12 per cent compared with 13.1 per cent in the previous week.
According to the UKHSA, people aged 85 and over remain most likely to be admitted to hospital with Covid. Therefore, it’s important to be aware of any Covid symptoms that might mean you require medical help.
Most people with Covid will see symptoms clear up relatively quickly. But if they linger it might be worth asking a professional for their advice.
On the NHS website, it tells people to ask for an “urgent” GP appointment or call 111 if you experience a symptom lasting five days or more. You should do so if “you or a child have a high temperature that last five days or more or does not come down with paracetamol”.
A high temperature is considered to be 38C or above. You may also notice your chest or back feels hotter than usual.
A fever can also lead to shivering, sweating or warm, red skin. The NHS also tells people to call 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
Symptoms of Covid
Aside from a high temperature, COVID-19 symptoms 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 says: “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 recommends 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 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 a COVID-19 vaccination appointment online or via the NHS App if you’re aged five years or over. Alternatively, find a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination centre to get your jab without needing a previous appointment if you’re aged five years or above.