What should you know about COVID-19 download?

COVID-19 is an infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. A useful health document may explain common experiences such as fever, cough, headache, tiredness and feeling generally unwell. It may also describe how infection can affect breathing and why people with other health conditions may need individual advice. Downloaded guidance can be helpful when internet access is limited, but check its date and the organisation that produced it because public-health instructions can change.

Save the document from a trusted health or government source, then read the sections on testing, staying away from others and treatment before you become unwell. Keep a current copy on your phone or in an accessible folder. If you have symptoms, rest, drink fluids as tolerated, monitor how you feel and follow the advice that applies to your setting. Do not use a general download to replace a clinician’s assessment, especially if you are pregnant, older, immunocompromised or managing a long-term condition.

Seek urgent help for severe difficulty breathing, new confusion, fainting, blue or grey lips, or an inability to stay awake. Contact a clinician promptly if symptoms are worsening, fever persists, you cannot keep fluids down, or you have chest pain. A cough that becomes more troublesome with breathlessness may need assessment for complications such as pneumonia. Continuing symptoms after the infection has settled can also warrant review for Long COVID.

Ask which advice applies to your medicines and existing conditions, whether you need testing or treatment, and what changes should prompt urgent review. Ask how to protect household members and when you can safely resume normal activities.