Some Covid symptoms are more severe than others.
This Covid symptom is a red flag if it lasts over five days(Image: Getty Images)
The NHS has labelled one Covid symptom that could indicate a more severe case of the virus if it persists for five days, advising those who experience it to call 111 or to book an emergency GP appointment.
Covid cases in the UK have dropped slightly in recent weeks, with data from Public Health Scotland showing a decline in both cases and hospitalisations for the week ending October 12.
Individuals aged 85 and above continue to face the highest risk of hospital admission due to Covid, reports Bristol Live. So being able to recognise Covid symptoms that may need medical intervention remains crucial as we go further into the winter months.
The NHS website instructs people to request an “urgent” GP appointment or ring 111 if experiencing a fever lasting five days or longer.
Those with a high temperature for more than five days should call 111, says the NHS(Image: Getty Images)
This applies when “you or a child have a high temperature that last five days or more or does not come down with paracetamol”.
A high temperature is defined as 38C or higher.
You might also notice your chest or back feeling warmer than normal, the health service explained.
Fever can also cause shivering, perspiration or warm, flushed skin.
The NHS also advises people to contact 111 if:
- You’re concerned about your or a child’s COVID-19 symptoms or are uncertain what to do
- The symptoms are deteriorating or are not improving
- You or a child have other indicators of illness, such as a rash, loss of appetite, or feeling weak
- A child under three months old and has a temperature of 38C or higher, or you think they have a high temperature
- A child three to six months old has a temperature of 39C or higher, or you think they have a high temperature
Symptoms of Covid
Those who feel unwell should try to stay away from others(Image: Richard Baker / In Pictures via Getty Images)
Other symptoms of Covid to keep an eye out for include:
- A new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three 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.”
If you have symptoms of Covid, the NHS advises that you try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people.
You should also minimise contact with others if you or your child have a high temperature, or if you feel too ill to go to work or school.
It adds: “You can go back to your normal activities when you feel better or do not have a high temperature.
“If your child has mild symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat or mild cough, and they feel well enough, they can go to school or childcare.”
Those over the age of 75 or those with weak immune systems are also eligible for the Covid vaccine which can be booked through the NHS website or app.
Some pharmacies and vaccine centres are also available for walk-in appointments for the Covid jab.
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