When is GP consultation recommended for COVID-19?

COVID-19 can cause fever, cough, sore throat, blocked nose, tiredness, headache, muscle aches, changes in smell or taste, nausea, or diarrhoea. The illness can resemble other respiratory infections. A GP can assess breathing and hydration, review your medical history and medicines, and decide whether you need monitoring, testing advice, or a different level of care. People with conditions that affect immunity, the heart, lungs, kidneys, or pregnancy may need earlier advice.

Rest, drink regularly, and follow local guidance about staying home and reducing close contact while you have respiratory symptoms. Keep a record of symptom changes and any temperature or breathing concerns. Contact a GP promptly if you have a long-term condition, are pregnant, take immune-suppressing medicine, or are finding it hard to maintain fluids. Our COVID-19 and GP Consultation guides provide further background.

Seek emergency help for severe difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, new confusion, inability to wake, blue or grey lips, collapse, or signs of severe dehydration. Get urgent advice if symptoms deteriorate quickly or you cannot manage your usual medicines. Do not delay emergency care while waiting for a test result.

Ask how to monitor breathing, which medicines are safe with your regular treatment, how long to limit close contact, when to return to normal activity, and which symptoms mean you should attend emergency care.