Covid infections have increased across the UK recently, prompting health bosses to issue advice on how to prevent spreading the infection and what to do if you have Covid.
The UK Health Security Agency says positive Covid test rates rose to around 7% in September, with hospital admission rates increasing by approximately 50% over the same period. These increases have been seen across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as across Europe and the United States.
Current Covid variants
XFG, sometimes referred to as 'American Covid' or the Stratus variant, remains the most common current Covid variant. Though, current data does not show these variants lead to more severe illness than other variants in circulation.
The UKHSA and the NHS have a raft of advice on what to do if you fall ill with Covid. They also explain whether you should stay at home if you have an infection.
Official guidance on staying at home
It all comes down to whether you have a high temperature and if you actually feel well enough to go to work or carry out your usual activities. According to the UKHSA: "If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as COVID-19, and you have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to go to work or carry out normal activities, you should avoid contact with vulnerable people and stay at home if possible."
The NHS also says: "Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you or your child have symptoms and either have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to go to work, school, childcare, or do your normal activities. You can go back to your normal activities when you feel better or do not have a high temperature."
There is further guidance to help reduce the chance of passing on your infection to others. You can:
- wear a well-fitting face covering made with multiple layers or a surgical face mask
- avoid crowded places such as public transport, large social gatherings, or anywhere that is enclosed or poorly ventilated
- take any exercise outdoors in places where you will not have close contact with other people
- cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitiser after coughing, sneezing and blowing your nose and before you eat or handle food; avoid touching your face
Symptoms of Covid
Covid symptoms can include:
- a high temperature – you may feel hot, cold or shivery, or your skin is hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
- a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours
- a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
- shortness of breath
- feeling tired or exhausted
- an aching body
- a headache
- a sore throat
- a blocked or runny nose
- loss of appetite
- diarrhoea
- feeling sick or being sick
The NHS says: "The symptoms are very similar to symptoms of other illnesses, such as colds and flu. Most people feel better within a few weeks, but it can take longer to recover. For some people, it can be a more serious illness and their symptoms can last longer."
