Public health information

Public health advice

Coronavirus symptoms

Symptoms include:

  • Shortness of breath 
  • High temperature (37.8 degrees celsius and above) 
  • A new persistent cough. 
     

Do not leave home if you or someone you live with has either a high temperature or a new, continuous cough
 

Symptoms
Coronavirus
Cold
Flu
Hayfever
Asthma
Fever (over 37.8ºC)
Common
Rare
Common
No
No
Cough
Common (usually dry and continuous)
Mild
Common (usually dry)
Sometimes (usually dry)
Sometimes (wheeze and cough)
Shortness of breath
Sometimes
No
No
No
No
Headache
Sometimes
Rare
Common
Sometimes
No
Sore throat
Sometimes
Common
Sometimes
‘Itchy’ throat
No
Runny/stuff nose
Rare
Common
Sometimes
Common
No
Sneezing
No
Common
No
Common
Rare
Aches and pains
Sometimes
Common
Common
Sometimes
No
Fatigue
Sometimes
Sometimes
Common
Sometimes
No
Rare
No
Sometimes (for children)
No
No

Most people will experience mild symptoms, however those with underlying health issues or weakened immune systems may be more significantly affected and require medical treatment. It’s important to remember that these symptoms do not mean you have coronavirus.

If you have symptoms, or have tested positive for coronavirus, you'll usually need to self-isolate for at least 10 days and usually for 14 days if:

  • someone you live with has symptoms or tested positive
  • someone in your support bubble has symptoms or tested positive
  • you've been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace

The NHS website has information on coronavirus COVID-19, prevention advice and a self-check tool.

Visit the below websites for translated coronavirus information:

Prevention

While most people will experience mild symptoms of the virus, it is important to make efforts to contain the spread and avoid infecting vulnerable members of the community. 

We are encouraging people to follow Public Health England’s advice:

  • Regularly wash your hand with soap and water for at least 20 seconds 
  • Cover your mouth with a sleeve or tissue when you cough or sneeze and not into your hands 
  • Put used tissues in the bin straight away 
  • Use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser that contains at least 60 per cent alcohol, if soap and water are not available. This is particularly important after taking public transport 
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands 
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick 
  • Try and maintain at least 1m between you and 2m (social distancing) 
  • Avoid handshakes and hugging 
  • If you feel unwell, stay at home - do not attend work or school 
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in the home and work environment.

Stay at home guidance for households with possible Covid-19 infection

Waste disposal for residents

When cleaning, you should use your usual household products like detergents and bleach, as these will be very effective at getting rid of the virus on surfaces. Clean frequently touched surfaces such as door handles, handrails, remote controls and table tops. This is particularly important if you have an older or vulnerable person in the house.

  • Personal waste (such as used tissues) and disposable cleaning cloths can be stored securely within disposable rubbish bags 
  • These bags should be placed into another bag, tied securely and kept separate from other waste 
  • This should be put aside for at least 72 hours before being put in your usual external household waste bin 
  • Other household waste can be disposed of as normal.