What should you know about COVID-19 government guidance?

Official advice may cover symptoms, testing, staying home while ill, contact with others, vaccination and routes to care. It is designed for the population and may not cover every situation. COVID-19 can cause fever, cough, headache, fatigue and a general feeling of being unwell, but the same symptoms can occur with other illnesses. Advice may differ by location and change as health authorities update it, so check the issuing organisation and publication date.

Use an official website or service, read the whole section relevant to your situation and follow instructions about testing and reducing contact when you are ill. Keep a note of symptom onset, test results and medicines so a clinician can make a clearer assessment. People who are pregnant, immunocompromised, older or living with chronic disease should ask whether extra precautions or early treatment apply. Do not forward screenshots without checking that the information is current and intended for your location.

Emergency care is needed for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, new confusion, blue or grey lips, or inability to stay awake. Seek prompt medical advice when symptoms worsen, fever continues, fluids cannot be kept down or a cough becomes accompanied by breathlessness. These features can need assessment for pneumonia. Symptoms that persist beyond the initial illness should be reviewed, including possible Long COVID.

Ask which official recommendations apply to your work, travel or household, whether your medicines alter your options, and how to recognise deterioration. Ask where to get help outside normal clinic hours.