Newsbreak coronavirus update: what to 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 complications such as pneumonia. Symptoms can overlap with other infections, so a symptom alone does not confirm COVID-19. Some people continue to experience tiredness or other symptoms after the initial illness; this is known as Long COVID.

If you feel unwell, rest, drink fluids, and limit close contact with others while you follow local health advice. Consider testing when advised or when knowing your status would affect contact with vulnerable people. Cover coughs and sneezes, wash your hands, and improve ventilation indoors. Keep a note of symptom changes and any medical conditions or medicines that may affect your care.

Seek urgent medical help for severe difficulty breathing, new confusion, inability to stay awake, blue or grey lips, or sudden worsening. Contact a clinician promptly if fever persists, you cannot keep fluids down, or your symptoms are getting worse rather than settling. People at higher risk of severe illness should ask about early assessment even when symptoms seem manageable.

Ask whether testing or treatment is appropriate for your symptoms, how to protect household members, and which changes should prompt urgent review. If symptoms continue after the infection, ask whether an assessment for Long COVID or another cause is suitable.