What is changing
As defined in the Test and Protect Transition plan, the changes in testing, contact detection and isolation will take effect from 1 May. Revised public health tips are provided below. This guidance will take effect on Sunday, May 1, 2022. For guidance through Saturday, April 30, 2022, visit NHS Inform. If you are in the middle of the isolation period, you should follow the revised guidelines from 1 May. If you tested positive, you should follow the revised “stay at home” guidelines for 3 days if you are 18 and under or for 5 days if you are over 18. The way we count these days has changed. Day 1 is the day after taking the test. If you identify as close contact, you should end your daily LFD tests on May 1 and you can leave the isolation if you feel well. If you later develop a fever or feel unwell with respiratory symptoms, you should follow the revised “stay at home” guidelines. As of May 1, 2022, most people will no longer need to take the COVID-19 test and will need to follow the instructions for staying home if they are not well. The trials remain available to specific groups, including clinical care, health and social care workers, and people visiting care homes or hospitals. As we learn to live safely with COVID-19, there are steps we can all take to reduce the risk of catching COVID-19 and passing it on to others. These actions will also help reduce the spread of other respiratory infections. COVID-19 and other respiratory infections, such as the flu, can spread easily and cause serious illness in some people. Vaccinations are very effective in preventing serious illness from COVID-19, however, even if you have been vaccinated, you may catch COVID-19 or another respiratory infection and pass it on to others.
Who is this guidance for?
Most people no longer have access to the free COVID-19 test. This directive is divided into 2 parts: There is separate guidance for people who have been informed by the NHS that they are at the highest risk of serious illness and who may be eligible for new treatments for COVID-19. There is also additional guidance for those working in health and social care.
People at higher risk of developing a serious respiratory infection, including COVID-19
People at higher risk for COVID-19 and other respiratory infections include: The risk of severe malaise from COVID-19 and other respiratory infections is very low for most children and young people. Some children under the age of 2, especially those with heart disease or premature babies, as well as very young infants, are at increased risk of being diagnosed with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). You will not always know if someone you come in contact with outside your home is at greater risk of becoming seriously ill. They could be strangers (for example, people you sit next to on public transport) or people you can have regular contact with (for example, friends and colleagues). This means that it is important to follow the tips in this guide to reduce the spread of the infection and help protect others.
Symptoms of respiratory infections, including COVID-19
Respiratory infections can easily spread between people. It is important to know the symptoms so that you can take steps to reduce the risk of spreading your infection to other people. The symptoms of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections are very similar. It is not possible to tell if you have COVID-19, the flu or any other respiratory infection based on symptoms alone. Most people with COVID-19 and other respiratory infections will have a relatively mild illness, especially if they have been vaccinated. If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as COVID-19, and you have a high fever or are not feeling well enough to go to work or do normal activities, we advise you to stay home and avoid contact with other people. Symptoms of COVID-19, the flu and common respiratory infections include:
persistent cough high temperature, fever or chills loss or change in the normal sense of taste or smell breathing difficulty unexplained fatigue, lack of energy muscle aches or pains not due to exercise not wanting to eat or not being hungry headache that is unusual or greater than usual sore throat, clogged or runny nose diarrhea, feeling unwell or unwell
persistent cough high temperature, fever or chills loss or change in the normal sense of taste or smell breathing difficulty unexplained fatigue, lack of energy muscle aches or pains not due to exercise not wanting to eat or not being hungry headache that is unusual or greater than usual sore throat, clogged or runny nose diarrhea, feeling unwell or unwell
If you feel unwell with these symptoms, you will need to rest a lot and drink water to stay hydrated. You can use medications like paracetamol to help with your symptoms. Antibiotics are not recommended for viral respiratory infections because they will not relieve your symptoms or speed up your recovery. In some cases, you may continue to cough or feel tired after your other symptoms improve, but that does not mean you are still infected. You can find information about these symptoms on the NHS Inform website. If you are worried about your symptoms or getting worse, seek medical advice by contacting NHS 24. Call 999 emergency.
What to do if you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, including COVID-19, and have not had a COVID-19 test
Stay home and avoid contact with other people
If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as COVID-19, and you have a high temperature or are not feeling well enough to go to work or do normal activities, stay home and avoid contact with other people until you are no longer high. temperature (if you had it) or until you no longer feel unwell. It is especially important to avoid close contact with anyone you know who is at greater risk of serious illness if they are infected with COVID-19 and other respiratory infections, especially those whose immune systems mean they are at higher risk for serious illness. despite vaccination. Work from home if you can. If you can not work from home, talk to your employer about the options available to you. If you are asked to make an appointment for a medical or dental appointment in person, contact your healthcare provider and let them know about your symptoms. You may want to ask friends, relatives or neighbors for food and other necessities. It is recommended to:
Let people you have recently contacted know that you are feeling unwell. Informing friends and family helps keep an eye out for similar signs or symptoms Avoid close contact with anyone you know who is at a higher risk of serious illness, especially people with weakened immune systems. work from home if you can. If you can not work from home, talk to your employer about the options available to you.
If you leave your home
If you leave your home with symptoms of a respiratory infection and have a high fever or malaise, avoid close contact with anyone you know who is at higher risk for serious illness, especially those whose immune system means they are at higher risk. despite vaccination. The following steps will reduce the chance of your infection being transmitted to others:
wearing a well-fitting multi-layer face mask or a surgical face mask Avoid crowded places such as public transportation, large social gatherings or wherever it is closed or poorly ventilated do any exercise outdoors in places where you will not have close contact with other people covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose before eating or handling food. avoid touching your face
Reduce the spread of infection in your household
While you are not well, there is a high risk of transmitting your infection to other members of your household. Here are some simple things you can do to prevent it from spreading:
keep your distance from the people you live with Wear a multi-layered face mask or a surgical face mask in public areas, especially if you live with people whose immune systems mean they are at a higher risk of serious illness despite being vaccinated. Ventilate the rooms you are in by opening the windows and leaving them open for at least 10 minutes after leaving the room Wash your hands regularly and cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze Regularly clean frequently touched surfaces, such as door handles and remote controls, and common areas such as kitchens and bathrooms Advise anyone who needs to come to your home that you have symptoms so that they can take precautions to protect themselves, such as wearing a well-fitting face mask or surgical face mask, keeping their distance if they can, and washing their hands regularly.
There are further guidelines for protecting yourself and others when living safely with respiratory infections, including COVID-19.
How to manage your symptoms
Most people with COVID-19 and other respiratory infections will have a relatively mild illness, especially if you are aware of COVID-19 vaccinations. If you feel unwell with these symptoms:
you need to rest a lot you have to drink …
