Summer is now here and with people heading on their holidays and the kids off school, there is more people socialising than ever.
Because of this, combined with the popularity of music festivals such as TRNSMT, it is no surpise that more people are falling ill be it with the common cold, the flu, or Covid.
If you have been ill in recent weeks – or are ill now – it could well be the common cold or flu. However there is concern about a resurgence of Covid due to new variants called FLiRT and LB.1.
This summer, variants have begun to spread throughout the UK, causing illness in numerous individuals. With increased social activities, there is a heightened call for caution with simple measures, such as hand washing, advised.
Experts say the symptoms of the FLiRT and LB.1 variants are generally like those of earlier Covid-19 strains. Common symptoms include:
- fever
- cough
- fatigue
- loss of taste or smell
- sore throat
- muscle or body aches
- shortness of breath
- headache
- runny nose
Call 111 or get an emergency GP appointment if…
Whilst many will wait it out, there are times where you may need to seek emergency medical advice. The NHS warn that you should seek urgent attention from your GP or 111 when you – or your child – presents the following symptoms:
- you’re worried about your or a child’s Covid-19 symptoms or are not sure what to do
- the symptoms are getting worse or are not getting better
- you or a child have other signs of illness, such as a rash, loss of appetite, or feeling weak
- you or a child have a high temperature that last 5 days or more or does not come down with paracetamol
- a child under 3 months old and has a temperature of 38C or higher, or you think they have a high temperature
- a child 3 to 6 months old and has a temperature of 39C or higher, or you think they have a high temperature
It’s particularly important to get help if you’re at increased risk of getting ill from Covid-19, such as if you’re pregnant, aged 60 or over, or have a weakened immune system.
Call 999 if you or your child…
- seems very unwell, is getting worse or you think there’s something seriously wrong – children and babies in particular can get unwell very quickly
- get sudden chest pain
- are so breathless you’re unable to say short sentences when resting or your breathing has suddenly got worse – in babies their stomach may suck in under their ribs
- start coughing up blood
- collapse, faint, or have a seizure or fit for the first time
- a rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it, the same as meningitis
What should I do if I have tested positive for Covid?
If you or your child have tested positive for Covid-19, there are a few things you can do. However you are no longer required to do a Covid-19 rapid lateral flow test if you have symptoms.
The NHS recommend:
- try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for 3 days after the day the test was taken if you or your child are under 18 years old – children and young people tend to be infectious to other people for less time than adults
- try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for 5 days after the day you took your test if you are 18 years old or over
- avoid meeting people who are more likely to get seriously ill from viruses, such as people with a weakened immune system, for 10 days after the day you took your test