You should also request an urgent appointment if you have a symptom lasting five days
The NHS has advised people to seek urgent medical attention if they experience a three symptoms alongside Covid. This may indicate more severe cases of the illness.
Recent data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) revealed that Covid cases have dropped slightly, with the infection continuing to circulate at “low levels”. Hospital cases of COVID-19 declined slightly with weekly positivity rates falling to 10.3 per cent from the previous week’s 11.9 per cent.
The UKHSA said that people aged 85 and above continue to face the highest risk of hospital admission due to Covid. Therefore, recognising Covid symptoms that may warrant medical intervention remains crucial.
In most cases of Covid, people will make a recovery with rest and home treatments. However, if symptoms persist, seeking professional guidance may be advisable.
The NHS website instructs people to request an “urgent” GP appointment or ring 111 if you or your child also notices three symptoms. It advised calling 111 if “you or a child have other signs of illness, such as a rash, loss of appetite, or feeling weak”.
You should also do this 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 defined as 38C or higher.
The NHS also advises people to contact 111 if:
- You’re concerned about your or a child’s COVID-19 symptoms or are uncertain what to do
- The symptoms are deteriorating or are not improving
- 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
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
- A high temperature
- 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 eligibility requirements for Covid booster jabs this autumn have been revised. Previously, the vaccination was offered to anyone aged 65 and over, alongside those with various chronic or long-term health conditions.
This year’s complete eligibility criteria for the booster includes people who:
- Are aged 75 or over (including those who will turn 75 by January 31, 2026)
- Are aged six months to 74 years and have a compromised immune system due to a medical condition or treatment
- Reside in a care home for older adults
If you qualify for the winter COVID-19 vaccine, you can schedule a COVID-19 vaccination appointment online or through the NHS App if you’re aged five years or over. Alternatively, locate a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination centre to receive your jab without requiring a prior appointment if you’re aged five years or above.