What should you know about BTS COVID-19?

Symptoms may include fever, cough, fatigue, headache and feeling generally unwell. Some people have mild illness, while others develop complications such as pneumonia. Symptoms overlap with other infections, so testing and clinical assessment may be needed to clarify the cause. People can remain tired after the initial illness; ongoing symptoms that interfere with daily life deserve review and may be described as Long COVID.

Rest, drink enough fluid to avoid dehydration and use simple measures advised by your clinician for fever or discomfort. Stay away from others according to current local health advice, improve ventilation and wash hands regularly. If you have a long-term condition or take regular medicines, contact your healthcare team early for personalised advice. Keep a record of worsening breathlessness, fever that persists or difficulty maintaining fluids.

Seek urgent care for severe or increasing breathlessness, persistent chest pain, new confusion, unusual difficulty staying awake, blue or grey lips, or inability to keep fluids down. Do not wait for symptoms to become extreme if you are pregnant, immunocompromised or have significant heart or lung disease; ask a clinician how quickly you should be assessed.

Ask whether testing is appropriate, how long to limit contact with others, which treatments are suitable for your health history and what symptoms should trigger an immediate review. If fatigue continues, ask about assessment for Long COVID and other causes.