Coronavirus update world: what should you know?

COVID-19 is an infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Symptoms can include fever, cough, headache, tiredness and feeling generally unwell. Some people have mild illness, while others develop breathing problems or pneumonia. Symptoms may overlap with other infections, so a symptom alone cannot confirm the cause.

Symptoms can change over the course of an illness. Tiredness or other problems may continue after the initial infection; persistent symptoms are sometimes described as Long COVID. The risk of passing infection on is managed through local public-health advice, staying home when unwell and careful hand and respiratory hygiene.

If you feel unwell, rest, drink enough fluid to avoid dehydration and follow the testing or isolation advice that applies where you live. Avoid close contact with people who may become seriously ill, improve ventilation indoors and cover coughs and sneezes. Keep a note of symptom changes, especially breathing, fever and alertness.

Use medicines only as directed on their label or by a clinician, particularly if you have another condition or take regular treatment. Do not start antibiotics for a viral illness unless a clinician has identified a reason for them.

Seek urgent medical help for severe difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, new confusion, unusual difficulty staying awake, or lips and skin that look blue or grey. Arrange prompt clinical advice if fever persists, symptoms are worsening, you cannot keep fluids down, or you are concerned because of pregnancy, older age or a long-term condition.

Ask whether your symptoms need testing, how long to stay away from others, which medicines are suitable for you, and what changes should trigger an urgent review. If symptoms continue after the infection, ask how they will be assessed and managed.