Coronavirus symptoms
The three main symptoms of coronavirus are:
1. High temperature / fever
This means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (if unsure ask a household member to check). You may also feel hot or cold and shivery. If you have a thermometer you can check and monitor your temperature. A temperature of 37.8 degrees indicates that you have a fever (a normal body temperature is 37 degrees)
2. New, continuous cough
This means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
3. Loss or change to your sense of smell and / or taste
This means you've noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal
Most people with coronavirus have at least 1 of these main symptoms.
If you are showing at least 1 of the above three main symptoms of the coronavirus, you should immediately go into
isolation and call the helpline on +44 (0) 1534 445566. This means you should stay at home. Don't go out to work, school or college, go shopping, visit public places or use public transport.
Accompanying symptoms
The 3 main symptoms may be accompanied by:
- headaches
- tiredness
- muscle ache
- sore throat
- gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting and diarrhoea) can also be a feature of COVID-19 and these are more common in children than adults.
If you do not have any of the 3 main symptoms but have one of the accompanying symptoms and have any concerns that you may have COVID contact the helpline on +44 (0) 1534 445566.
Asymptomatic transmission
Asymptomatic (a carrier who shows no symptoms) transmission of COVID-19 is possible. It should be assumed that even if you are not showing any symptoms of the virus, that you may be carrying and transmitting it to others. This is more likely if you are at risk from travel or have contact with a person positive for COVID-19.
Helplines
Coronavirus helpline
If you think you may have symptoms of coronavirus, immediately isolate yourself at home. Call the helpline on +44 (0)1534 445566.
Emergencies only
For emergencies only, including difficulty breathing, call 999.
Isolation to contain the spread of coronavirus
If you do have coronavirus symptoms, you will need to isolate according to the latest Government guidance. You may be eligible for
isolation benefit.
General Public Health measures
Information on Public Health measures and how to protect yourself and others