NHS ‘you must avoid’ warning to anyone experiencing common Covid symptom

The NHS has issued a word of warning to anyone with the common Covid symptom

The NHS has issued a ‘do not’ warning to anyone suffering from a common Covid symptom, as not following the advice can cause further issues. The warning comes as cases of Covid continue to stay high across the UK, thanks to the latest dominant strains, Status and Nimbus.

The most recent list of Covid symptoms on the NHS website includes a high temperature or shivering, a new, continuous cough, a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste, shortness of breath, and feeling tired or exhausted. Other symptoms include an aching body, a headache, a sore throat, a blocked or runny nose, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, and feeling sick or being sick.

The most common Nimbus symptoms include a severe sore throat (often felt while swallowing), persistent fatigue, a mild cough, nasal congestion or a runny nose, fever and muscle aches, sneezing, and digestive symptoms like nausea or diarrhoea (less common but possible). Stratus causes many of the same symptoms but is particularly known for causing a persistent dry cough, a ‘razor blade’ sore throat, and a hoarse or raspy voice.

One symptom the strains have in common is a persistent cough. This symptom can not only cause discomfort but should be checked if it lasts more than three weeks. The NHS also warns against a certain action, as doing so could make the cough even worse.

The health service says: “Do not lie on your back if you have a cough – lie on your side or sit upright instead.” If you have a cough, it’s best to avoid lying flat on your back because doing so can cause mucus to accumulate in the back of your throat, leading to more coughing.

This occurs because of postnasal drip and the effects of gravity. To allow proper mucus drainage, it’s best to keep yourself elevated with extra pillows or lie on your side.

If you have a postnasal drip that lasts several days, it can lead to various problems, including a chronic cough, sore throat, and hoarseness. In more severe instances, it may result in serious complications like bronchitis, pneumonia, or an infection that spreads to the sinuses. It can also make asthma symptoms worse.

If your cough is intense or continues for a long time, it’s advisable to see a doctor to eliminate any underlying problems, like heart failure, since a dry cough at night can occasionally indicate such issues.

Other ‘do not’ warnings the NHS lists include:

• do not use a fan to cool your room as it may spread the virus
• try not to panic if you’re feeling breathless – this can make it worse

How to look afterCovid

It’s not always possible to treat COVID-19. But there are things you can do to help ease some of the symptoms, such as a high temperature, a cough and breathlessness. Do:

• get lots of rest
• drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration (your pee should be light yellow or clear)
• take paracetamol or ibuprofen if you feel uncomfortable
• try having a teaspoon of honey if you have a cough – do not give honey to babies under 12 months
• try turning the heating down or opening a window to help with breathlessness
• breathe slowly in through your nose and out through your mouth, with your lips together like you’re gently blowing out a candle
• sit upright in a chair to help with breathlessness
• relax your shoulders, so you’re not hunched to help with breathlessness
• lean forward slightly – support yourself by putting your hands on your knees or on something stable like a chair to help with breathlessness