The NHS has shared guidance for those who test positive for Covid, including advice on what to do if you develop symptoms of the virus
Fiona Callingham Lifestyle writer
07:04, 16 Nov 2025
The NHS has shared guidance for those who test positive for Covid(Image: Ekaterina Goncharova via Getty Images)
The NHS has recommended that individuals adhere to a 10-day protocol if they test positive for Covid. Despite a slight decrease in Covid cases recently, the virus remains prevalent across the UK.
Recent data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), collected during the week starting 27 October, indicates a drop in hospital Covid cases. The average weekly positivity rate for Covid-19 in hospital settings was at 5.7 per cent, a decrease from 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 the week before. The UKHSA noted that those aged 85 and over had the “highest” rate of hospital admission, which dropped to 22.71 per 100,000 from 28.59 per 100,000 the previous week.
The NHS has provided various guidelines for those who receive a positive test result. On its website, the NHS clarifies that “most” people do not need a Covid-19 rapid lateral flow test if they have 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.”, reports Glasgow Live.
Additional recommendations include:
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 adultsTry 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 overSymptoms
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 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 symptoms are very similar to symptoms of other illnesses, such as colds and flu,” states the NHS. “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 alleviate symptoms, the NHS advises:
Ensure you get plenty of restStay hydrated by drinking ample water to avoid dehydration (your urine should be light yellow or clear)Take paracetamol or ibuprofen if you’re feeling uncomfortableIf you have a cough, try having a teaspoon of honey – but remember not to give honey to babies under 12 monthsTo help with breathlessness, consider turning down the heating or opening a windowBreathe slowly in through your nose and out through your mouth, with your lips together as if you’re gently blowing out a candleSitting upright in a chair can also assist with breathlessnessRelax your shoulders to avoid hunching, which can exacerbate breathlessnessLean forward slightly – support yourself by placing your hands on your knees or on something stable like a chair to alleviate breathlessnessAvoid lying on your back if you have a cough – instead, lie on your side or sit uprightDon’t use a fan to cool your room as it may spread the virusTry not to panic if you’re feeling breathless – this can make it worse
For further information, please visit the NHS website here.