Covid-19 and how to stay safe
If you are at higher risk from Covid-19
If you are at higher risk from Covid-19 because you have a weakened immune system, there is guidance on how to stay safe. The guidance also provides information on:
- eligibility for additional Covid-19 vaccine doses
- eligibility for new NHS Covid-19 treatments if you become infected and accessing them if you are eligible
- taking a test if you get symptoms of Covid-19
Covid-19 symptoms and what to do if you test positive for Covid-19
The most common symptoms of Covid-19 are any of the following:
- a new continuous cough
- a high temperature (37.8C or above)
- a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell.
If you, or someone you live with shows any of the above symptoms or tests positive for Covid-19, there is guidance on what to do. It includes:
- if you have not taken a Covid-19 test, try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people until you no longer feel unwell
- if you have tested positive for Covid-19, try to stay at home. Many people will no longer be infectious to others after 5 days and some people may be infectious to other people for up to 10 days from the start of their infection. Avoid meeting people that are at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell from Covid-19, especially those with a weakened immune system, for up to 10 days after the day you took your test
Staying safe and preventing the spread of Covid-19
As we learn to live with Covid-19 below are things that the Government suggests we can do to stay safe and prevent the spread of coronavirus:
- let fresh air in if you meet indoors, meeting outdoors is safer
- continue to wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces where you may come into contact with other people you do not normally meet
- try to stay at home if you are feeling unwell
- wash your hands
- if you haven’t already, Get Boosted Now
Read the guidance on how to say stay and help prevent the spread for more information.
Long Covid
If you are suffering long term effects after having coronavirus there is help and advice available:
- The NHS has set up the Your Covid Recovery website.
- the British Heart Foundation has information for people who might be experiencing symptoms of long Covid.