What to do if you have Covid: Symptoms, tests and can you go to work or school?

The latest Covid booster campaign is under way across the UK and those who qualify are urged to get jabbed as soon as possible.

No Covid restrictions are in place across the UK but guidance recommends people who catch the virus “should try to stay at home”.

Most people feel better within a few days or weeks – but for some, it can be more serious.

Those concerned their or their child’s symptoms are worsening should request an urgent GP appointment or help from NHS 111.

Some people have developed long Covid after an initial mild infection.

Routine Covid testing is not recommended, and most people can’t get free tests via the NHS.

You can buy a test for about £2 from High Street and online chemists. But you cannot report these test results to the NHS.

People are largely advised to treat Covid like any other respiratory disease. You no longer have to self-isolate after testing positive.

However, the government recommends trying to stay home for five days – or three for under-18s, as younger people tend to be infectious for a shorter period.

People at higher risk of becoming seriously ill with Covid who have been told they are entitled to treatments if they catch it must report their test result so the NHS can contact them about their options.

Some people are infectious for about five days but others may be contagious for up to 10.

Those who have a high temperature or still feel unwell after five days are advised to stay home if they can until they:

You don’t have to tell your employer you have Covid.

However, across the UK, you are asked to avoid contact with others for five days, which means you should work from home if you can, especially if you have a high temperature.

The specific schemes offering financial support to those isolating during the pandemic have ended.

But you may be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay – worth £109.40 a week – if you cannot work because of Covid.

Under-18s who test positive for Covid are advised to stay at home for three days.

For most people, vaccinations are now available only as part of a seasonal rollout. You cannot buy them privately in the UK.

The 2023 autumn booster campaign is targeting:

The NHS is contacting eligible people. Those in England who qualify can also book their jabs through the NHS website, the NHS app or by calling 119.

Wait at least four weeks after a positive test, even if you had no symptoms.

Do not have a jab if you have a severe illness or high fever.

The vaccines do not infect people with Covid and cannot cause positive test results.