The NHS has updated its advice on when to seek medical help if you have Covid symptoms. It’s important to be aware of the signs that you might need to see a professional
Fiona Callingham Lifestyle writer
13:14, 21 Oct 2025
The NHS has updated its advice on when to seek medical help if you have Covid symptoms(Image: SimpleImages via Getty Images)
The NHS has issued urgent guidance for people to seek medical assistance if they encounter a particular Covid symptom persisting for five days, which may indicate more severe cases of the illness. Fresh data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) revealed that Covid cases have dropped marginally, though the virus continues to spread at “medium levels”.
Hospital admissions for COVID-19 fell “slightly” with a weekly positivity rate of 12 per cent compared with 13.1 per cent the previous week. It comes as ChronicleLive revealed the latest figures for the North East amid a rise in cases driven by the Stratus variant.
The UKHSA reports that individuals aged 85 and over face the highest risk of hospital admission due to Covid. Consequently, recognising any Covid symptoms that may require medical intervention remains crucial. Most Covid patients will witness symptoms resolve fairly rapidly. However, if they persist, consulting a healthcare professional may prove worthwhile.
The NHS website advises people to request an “urgent” GP appointment or ring 111 if experiencing a symptom lasting five days or longer, reports the Mirror. This applies when “you or a child have a high temperature that last five days or more or does not come down with paracetamol.”
A high temperature is defined as 38C or higher. You might also find your chest or back feels warmer than normal. Fever can additionally cause shivering, perspiration or warm, flushed skin. The NHS further instructs people to contact 111 if:
You’re worried about your or a child’s COVID-19 symptoms or are not sure what to doThe symptoms are getting worse or are not getting betterYou or a child have other signs of illness, such as a rash, loss of appetite, or feeling weakA child under three months old and has a temperature of 38C or higher, or you think they have a high temperatureA child three to six months old and has a temperature of 39C or higher, or you think they have a high temperatureSymptoms of Covid
Beyond a high temperature, COVID-19 symptoms may encompass:
A new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hoursA loss or change to your sense of smell or tasteShortness of breathFeeling tired or exhaustedAn aching bodyA headacheA sore throatA blocked or runny noseLoss of appetiteDiarrhoeaFeeling sick or being sick
The NHS states: “The symptoms are very similar to symptoms of other illnesses, such as colds and flu. 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.”
Should you develop COVID-19 symptoms, the NHS advises attempting to remain at home and avoid contact with others if you or your child show signs and either:
Have a high temperature
Do not feel well enough to go to work, school, childcare, or do your normal activities
It continues: “You can go back to your normal activities when you feel better or do not have a high temperature. If your child has mild symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat or mild cough, and they feel well enough, they can go to school or childcare.”
Vaccinations
The eligibility criteria for Covid booster vaccinations this autumn have been revised. Previously, the vaccination was offered to anyone aged 65 and over, plus those with various chronic or long-term health conditions.
This year’s complete eligibility criteria for the booster encompasses people who:
Are aged 75 or over (including those who will be 75 by January 31, 2026)Are aged six months to 74 years and have a weakened immune system due to a medical condition or treatmentLive in a care home for older adults
Should you qualify for the winter COVID-19 vaccine, you can arrange a COVID-19 vaccination appointment online or through the NHS App if you’re five years or older. Alternatively, locate a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination centre to receive your vaccination without requiring a prior appointment if you’re aged five years or above.
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