Coronavirus is sweeping through the UK once again as it looks like the country is entering a fourth wave, with more than a million people currently infected with the virus.
According to the latest data, the percentage of people testing positive for coronavirus rose in England for the week ending September 17, meaning around one in 65 people had the virus.
Approximately 1.1 million people in private households tested positive for Covid in the latest UK survey, which covers the seven days to September 17 in England and the week to September 30 in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, according to the Office for National Statistics.
But now that we are following the Government's plan to "live with Covid" - what are you supposed to do if you think you have Covid?
Testing positive (adults)
The NHS said that if you have Covid-19 you can pass on the virus to other people for up to 10 days from when your infection starts.
Many people will no longer be infectious to others after five days, so you should stay at home and avoid contact with other people for those five days.
You should also avoid meeting people at higher risk from Covid - such as the elderly or those with a lower immune system for 10 days.
Your five or 10 days start from the day after you did the test.
Testing positive (children)
If a child or young person aged 18 or under tests positive for Covid-19, the NHS said they should stay at home and avoid contact with other people for three days.
This starts from the day after they did the test.
Children and young people tend to be infectious to others for less time than adults.
If they’re well and do not have a temperature after thee days, there’s a much lower risk that they’ll pass on Covid-19 to others, however, it is advised that they do not mix with those at high risk of coronavirus.
Testing negative
If you do not feel well enough to carry out normal activities, go to work or to school but test negative, you should stay at home and avoid contact with other people, the NHS said.
You should also avoid meeting people at higher risk.
You can go back to your normal activities if you feel well enough to do so and do not have a high temperature,
When to seek medical advice
If you've tested positive for Covid-19, the NHS recommended calling 111 or speaking to your GP if:
- you're feeling gradually more unwell or more breathless
- you have difficulty breathing when you stand up or move around
- you feel very weak, achy or tired
- you're shaking or shivering
- you've lost your appetite
- you're unable to care for yourself – for example, tasks like washing and dressing or making food are too difficult
- you still feel unwell after 4 weeks – this may be long COVID
The NHS further urges you to go to A&E or call 999 if:
- you're so breathless that you're unable to say short sentences when resting
- your breathing has got suddenly worse
- you cough up blood
- you feel cold and sweaty, with pale or blotchy skin
- you have a rash that looks like small bruises or bleeding under the skin and does not fade when you roll a glass over it
- you collapse or faint
- you feel agitated, confused or very drowsy
- you've stopped peeing or are peeing much less than usual
