What should you know about coronavirus in the world?

COVID-19 can spread when an infected person releases particles while breathing, speaking, coughing or sneezing. Illness may be mild, but some people develop breathing problems or inflammation affecting the lungs. Symptoms can include fever, cough, headache, tiredness and feeling generally unwell; symptoms overlap with other infections, so they do not identify the cause by themselves.

The public-health situation can change as circulating viruses change, so a news headline may not describe your personal risk. Age, pregnancy, long-term conditions and a weakened immune system can affect the chance of severe illness. Some people continue to have symptoms after the initial infection, known as Long COVID.

If you feel ill, rest, drink fluids if you can, and limit close contact with others while you are feverish or clearly unwell. Improve airflow indoors and consider a well-fitting mask when around people who may be vulnerable. Follow current local health advice for testing, work, school and travel.

Contact a clinician promptly if you have a higher risk of complications, because assessment and treatment decisions can depend on when symptoms began and your medical history. Read more about COVID-19 and its symptoms, including Cough, Fever and Fatigue.

Seek urgent medical help for severe difficulty breathing, chest pressure, new confusion, unusual difficulty staying awake, or lips or skin that look blue or grey. Arrange medical advice if fever persists, symptoms are worsening, you cannot keep fluids down, or breathing is becoming harder. Pneumonia can cause cough, fever and breathlessness and needs clinical assessment.

Ask whether your symptoms need testing, which warning signs matter for your health conditions, and when it is safe to return to normal activities. You can also ask what follow-up is appropriate if tiredness or breathlessness continues.