The NHS says “most” people do not need to take a COVID-19 rapid lateral flow test when showing symptoms
The NHS has issued guidance recommending people follow a 10-day period of caution if they test positive for Covid. Whilst there has been a slight decrease in Covid cases in recent weeks, the virus remains in widespread circulation across the UK.
The most recent data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), collected during the week beginning 27 October, indicates a fall in hospital Covid cases. The weekly average positivity rate for COVID-19 in hospital settings was 5.7 per cent, compared with 7.7 per cent the previous week.
Hospital admissions related to COVID-19 fell to 2.22 per 100,000 from 2.51 per 100,000 in the preceding week. The UKHSA noted that people aged 85 and over had the “highest” hospital admission rate, which decreased to 22.71 per 100,000 from 28.59 per 100,000 the week before.
The NHS has published comprehensive guidance for those who receive a positive test result. According to its website, the NHS states that “most” people do not need a COVID-19 rapid lateral flow test when showing symptoms.
However, if you choose to take a test and it comes back positive, you should adhere to its 10-day guidance. The advice states: “Avoid meeting people who are more likely to get seriously ill from infections, such as people with a weakened immune system, for 10 days after the day you took your test.”
Further guidance includes:
- Try to remain at home and avoid contact with others for three days following the day the test was taken if you or your child are under 18 years old – children and young people tend to be infectious for less time than adults
- Try to remain at home and avoid contact with others for five days following the day you took your test if you are 18 years old or over
Symptoms
According to the NHS, COVID-19 symptoms can include:
- A high temperature or shivering (chills) – a high temperature means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
- 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 symptoms are very similar to symptoms of other illnesses, such as colds and flu,” the NHS says. “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.” To help ease symptoms, the NHS says you should:
- Ensure you get plenty of rest
- Stay hydrated by drinking ample water to avoid dehydration (your urine should be light yellow or clear)
- Take paracetamol or ibuprofen if you’re feeling uncomfortable
- If you have a cough, try having a teaspoon of honey – but remember not to give honey to babies under 12 months
- To help with breathlessness, consider turning down the heating or opening a window
- Breathe slowly in through your nose and out through your mouth, with your lips together as if you’re gently blowing out a candle
- Sitting upright in a chair can also assist with breathlessness
- Relax your shoulders to avoid hunching, which can exacerbate breathlessness
- Lean forward slightly – support yourself by placing your hands on your knees or on something stable like a chair to alleviate breathlessness
- Avoid lying on your back if you have a cough – instead, lie on your side or sit upright
- Don’t use a fan to cool your room as it may spread the virus
- Try not to panic if you’re feeling breathless – this can make it worse
For more information, visit the NHS website here.