As we learn to live safely with COVID-19, there are actions we can all take to help reduce the risk of catching COVID-19 and passing it on to others. These actions will also help to reduce the spread of other respiratory infections. COVID-19 and other respiratory infections such as flu can spread easily and cause serious illness in some people.
Vaccinations are very effective at preventing serious illness from COVID-19, however even if you are vaccinated there is a chance you might catch COVID-19 or another respiratory infection and pass it on to other people.
Who this guidance is for
Most people can no longer access free testing for COVID-19. This guidance is in 2 parts:
There is separate guidance for people who have been informed by the NHS that they are at highest risk of becoming seriously unwell and who might be eligible for new COVID-19 treatments.
There is also additional guidance for those working in health and social care settings.
People at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell from a respiratory infection, including COVID-19
People who are at higher risk from COVID-19 and other respiratory infections include:
The risk of becoming seriously unwell from COVID-19 and other respiratory infections is very low for most children and young people.
Some children aged under 2 years, especially those with a heart condition or born prematurely, as well as very young infants, are at increased risk of hospitalisation from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
You will not always know whether someone you come into contact with outside your home is at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell. They could be strangers (for example, people you sit next to on public transport) or people you may have regular contact with (for example, friends and work colleagues). This means it is important to follow the advice in this guidance to reduce the spread of infection and help to keep others safe.
Symptoms of respiratory infections, including COVID-19
Respiratory infections can spread easily between people. It is important to be aware of symptoms so you can take action to reduce the risk of spreading your infection to other people.
The symptoms of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections are very similar. It is not possible to tell if you have COVID-19, flu or another respiratory infection based on symptoms alone. Most people with COVID-19 and other respiratory infections will have a relatively mild illness, especially if they have been vaccinated.
If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as COVID-19, and you have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to go to work or carry out normal activities, you are advised to try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people.
Symptoms of COVID-19, flu and common respiratory infections include:
If you are feeling unwell with these symptoms you should get plenty of rest and drink water to keep hydrated. You can use medications such as paracetamol to help with your symptoms. Antibiotics are not recommended for viral respiratory infections because they will not relieve your symptoms or speed up your recovery.
In some cases, you might continue to have a cough or feel tired after your other symptoms have improved, but this does not mean that you are still infectious.
You can find information about these symptoms on NHS.UK.
If you are concerned about your symptoms, or they are worsening, seek medical advice by contacting NHS 111. In an emergency dial 999.
What to do if you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, including COVID-19, and have not taken a COVID-19 test
Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people
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, try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people, until you no longer have a high temperature (if you had one) or until you no longer feel unwell.
It is particularly important to avoid close contact with anyone who you know is at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell if they are infected with COVID-19 and other respiratory infections, especially those whose immune system means that they are at higher risk of serious illness, despite vaccination.
Try to work from home if you can. If you are unable to work from home, talk to your employer about options available to you.
If you have been asked to attend a medical or dental appointment in person, contact your healthcare provider and let them know about your symptoms.
You may wish to ask friends, family or neighbours to get food and other essentials for you.
If you leave your home
If you leave your home while you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, and you have a high temperature or feel unwell, avoid close contact with anyone who you know is at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell, especially those whose immune system means that they are at higher risk of serious illness, despite vaccination.
The following actions will reduce the chance of passing on your infection to others:
covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser after coughing, sneezing and blowing your nose and before you eat or handle food; avoid touching your face
Reduce the spread of infection in your household
While you are unwell there is a high risk of passing your infection to others in your household. These are simple things you can do to help prevent the spread:
