Guidance for people with symptoms of a respiratory infection, including COVID-19

 Includes guidance for close contacts of people who have COVID-19.

Respiratory infections circulate throughout the year and are a part of daily life. COVID-19 is now one of several respiratory infections that continue to affect people.

The spread of these infections can change over time. This can happen in the UK and worldwide. 

Respiratory infections can spread through the air, either as fine aerosol particles that can remain in the air for some time or as droplets that travel short distances and may land on surfaces. They can also spread through direct contact with someone who is infected or by touching contaminated surfaces. The risk is higher in crowded indoor spaces, poorly ventilated areas, or settings where people are close together for longer periods or breathing heavily, such as during exercise, singing, shouting, coughing or sneezing.

Vaccination reduces the risk of serious illness from respiratory infections. Simple everyday actions also help reduce the spread of infection. These actions protect individuals, families and communities and help keep services running. 

General protective behaviours include:

• get vaccinated if you are eligible
• stay at home if you’re unwell and limit your contact with others
• maintain good hand hygiene
• wear a face mask in crowded indoor spaces, including health and care settings.
• meet others outdoors where possible
• increase ventilation indoors by letting fresh air in

Vaccination

Vaccination helps reduce the risk of serious illness from respiratory viruses. If you are eligible, come forward when you are invited for your vaccine. Vaccination can still increase your protection, even if you have had respiratory infections before.

Good hand hygiene

Washing your hands with soap and water, or using hand sanitiser when needed, helps reduce the spread of viruses. Wash your hands after coughing or sneezing, blowing your nose and, before eating or preparing food.

Meet others outdoors

Meeting others outdoors is safer than indoors as there is less risk of infection. Viruses spread through the air when we breathe and talk. The risk increases when we laugh, shout or exercise. Doing these activities outdoors disperses infectious particles and reduces spread.

Respiratory infections can spread between people. Knowing the symptoms helps reduce the spread of infection.

Symptoms can include:

• continuous cough
• high temperature, fever or chills
• loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell
• shortness of breath
• unexplained tiredness, lack of energy
• muscle aches or pains that are not due to exercise
• not wanting to eat or not feeling hungry
• headache that is unusual or longer lasting than usual
• sore throat, stuffy or runny nose
• diarrhoea
• feeling sick or being sick

• Get plenty of rest and drink water to keep hydrated.
• Use medications such as paracetamol to help with symptoms. Antibiotics are not recommended for viral respiratory infections. This is because they will not relieve symptoms or speed up recovery.
• Stay at home and avoid contact with others until you no longer have a high temperature or until you feel better. 
• Work from home wherever possible. If you cannot work from home, talk to your employer about options.
• If you need to attend a medical or dental appointment in person, tell them about your symptoms.
• Tell people you have recently been in contact with that you're feeling unwell. This means they can be aware of signs or symptoms.
• If you are concerned about your symptoms, if they get worse, or if you cannot manage at home, contact your GP or NHS 111. In an emergency, call 999.

If you do not feel well enough to go to work, you should tell your employer. You may be covered by their sick leave or special leave policy. If you cannot get sick pay from your employer, you may be able to get Statutory Sick Pay from the 4^th day of your sickness absence. Find out more about Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) on gov.uk.

Take steps to reduce the risk of passing the infection to others:

• consider wearing a well fitted face mask
• avoid crowded or poorly ventilated places, such as public transport or large gatherings
• avoid places where people may be at higher risk of serious illness, such as hospitals and care homes
• take any exercise outdoors, where there will be limited close contact with others
• cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
• wash your hands regularly with soap and water, or use hand sanitiser, especially after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose
• avoid touching your face where possible

If you have a respiratory infection, you can take steps to reduce spread in your household.

• keep your distance from others where possible
• where it is safe, open windows to improve ventilation for at least 10 minutes after leaving a room
• wash your hands regularly and cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
• clean frequently touched surfaces regularly, This is particularly important if you live with someone with chronic health conditions or with a weakened immune system.
• wear a well‑fitted face mask if someone at home has a long‑term condition or a weakened immune system

If someone needs to visit your home, tell them if you have symptoms so they can protect themselves.

Living with someone who has a respiratory infection, or staying overnight with them, increases risk.

If you are a close contact:

• remain alert to symptoms of respiratory infections and stay at home if you develop any
• avoid contact with people at higher risk of severe illness where possible
• work from home if you are able to do so
• limit close contact with other people indoors
• consider wearing a well‑fitted face mask in crowded or enclosed places
• wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use hand sanitiser

If you develop symptoms, stay at home, avoid contact with others, and follow the guidance for respiratory infections.

If you are a close contact but did not live with the person or stay overnight, your risk is lower. Watch for symptoms and follow the guidance if you become unwell.

Respiratory infections are common in children, particularly during the winter months.

For most children and young people, these illnesses will not be serious. Very few become seriously unwell. This is also true for children and young people with long-term conditions. Some children under 2 can become seriously unwell with a respiratory condition called RSV. This includes those born prematurely or with a heart condition.

Education is important for children and young people’s development, health and well-being. The long-term impact of missing education should not be underestimated.

Children with mild symptoms can usually attend their education setting. Mild symptoms include a runny nose, sore throat or slight cough. Encourage them to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. They should wash their hands after using or disposing of tissues.

Children and young people who are unwell and have a high temperature should stay at home. They should avoid contact with other people where they can. They can go back to their setting when they no longer have a high temperature and are well enough to attend.

It can be difficult to know when to seek help if your child is unwell. If you are worried about your child, especially if they are under 2, seek medical help.

People who are at greater risk specifically from COVID-19 are eligible for COVID-19 treatment at home. Vaccinations remain the most effective way to protect those most vulnerable. Vaccination protects people from severe illness from COVID-19. Most people are now at lower risk of severe illness and do not need antiviral treatment. Some people at high risk may still receive treatment.

You can find further guidance on accessing treatment on our COVID-19 treatments page.

Employer Assistance

If you do not feel well enough to go to work, you should tell your employer. You may be covered by their sick leave or special leave policy.

If you cannot get sick pay from your employer, you may be able to get Statutory Sick Pay from the 4^th day of your sickness absence.

Find out more about Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) on gov.uk