Symptoms of coronavirus & what to do
Symptoms of coronavirus
Coronavirus infects the lungs. The symptoms start with a fever followed by a dry cough, which can lead to breathing problems. It takes five days on average for symptoms to start showing.
The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of:
- new continuous cough and/or
- high temperature
For most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild infection
How to avoid catching or spreading coronavirus
DO:
- wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
- always wash your hands when you get home or into work
- use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
- cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
- put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
- try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell
DON'T
- do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
What to do if you have symptoms of coronavirus
- You do not need to call NHS 111 to go into self-isolation.
- Use the 111 coronavirus service online assessment
- To protect yourself and others, do not go to a GP, pharmacy or hospital
- if you have symptoms of coronavirus infection (COVID-19), however mild, stay at home and do not leave your house for 7 days from when your symptoms started. This action will help protect others in your community whilst you are infectious. Read more advice about staying at home.
- plan ahead and ask others for help to ensure that you can successfully stay at home.
- ask your employer, friends and family to help you to get the things you need to stay at home.
- stay at least 2 metres (about 3 steps) away from other people in your home whenever possible.
- sleep alone, if that is possible.
- wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds, each time using soap and water.
- stay away from vulnerable individuals such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions as much as possible.
If your symptoms worsen during home isolation or are no better after 7 days contact NHS 111 online.
If you have no internet access or unable to get help, you should call NHS 111. For a medical emergency dial 999.
Treatment for coronavirus
There is currently no specific treatment for coronavirus.
Antibiotics do not help, as they do not work against viruses.
Treatment aims to relieve the symptoms while your body fights the illness.
You'll need to stay in isolation, away from other people, until you have recovered.
Ending self-isolation
You should remain at home until 7 days after the onset of your symptoms. After 7 days, if you feel better and no longer have a high temperature, you can return to your normal routine. If you have not had any signs of improvement and have not already sought medical advice, you should contact NHS 111 online at 111.nhs.uk. If you have no internet access, you should call NHS 111.
Cough may persist for several weeks in some people, despite the coronavirus infection having cleared. A persistent cough alone does not mean you must continue to self-isolate for more than 7 days.
Track confirmed coronavirus cases in the UK
The coronavirus dashboard is now available to find out and track confirmed cases in the UK.
Staying up to date
The government is continually providing updates. For the latest information and advice please visit Public Health England.
There is also guidance for health professionals on the NHS website www.england.nhs.uk/coronavirus.
