COVID-19 – advice and services
In this article we will give you advice on what to do if you test positive for COVID-19 and are unwell.
If you test positive for COVID-19, and are unwell, there are 3 key things you should do.
Key Points
- Stay at home – and try to avoid excessive contact with others for 5 days after the day you took your test.
- Avoid meeting people – more likely to become seriously ill from viruses, such as older people or those with weakened immune systems, for 10 days after the day you took your test.
- Look after yourself at home.
Preventing the spread of COVID-19 to others
If you have symptoms and feel unwell, regardless of your vaccination status, you should stay at home and keep away from others to help prevent spreading the illness.
- Stay at home – and avoid contact with others for 5 days after the day you took your test. Don’t go to work, university, or school, and avoid public places like shops. Avoid sharing hand towels, cups, or utensils
- Avoid meeting people – more vulnerable to serious illness, such as the elderly or those with weakened immune systems, for 10 days after your test
- Wear a mask – if you need to be around others in your home or while seeking medical care
- Wash your hands. After coughing or sneezing, and before touching shared objects like door handles, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water
- Contact those you’ve been in close contact with. Let them know that you are unwell with COVID-19, especially if they are older or more vulnerable, so they can monitor for symptoms and consider getting tested.
Looking after yourself at home
- Contact your GP. Inform them that you have tested positive for COVID-19 and are recovering at home. Based on your health and symptoms, you may benefit from additional treatment, which is most effective when started early.
- Take it easy. Rest and stay well hydrated. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can help manage your symptoms.
- Monitor your symptoms. Inform your doctor if your condition worsens. If your symptoms become severe, call 111 (or 999 if very unwell), and explain that you have COVID-19 and are experiencing emergency warning signs, such as:
- Difficulty breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Pale, grey, or blue-coloured skin, lips, or nail beds.
COVID-19 NHS services
These are described here.
Summary
We have described COVID-19 advice if you are unwell with it, and directed you to NHS services. We hope it has been helpful.
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