The NHS has urged people to seek medical attention if they experience a particular covid symptom lasting for five days. This may signal more serious cases of the illness.
Recent figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) showed that covid cases have fallen slightly, though the infection remains at "medium levels". Hospital cases of covid decreased "slightly" with weekly positivity rates dropping to 12 per cent from the previous week's 13.1 per cent.
The UKHSA notes that people aged 85 and above remain at the highest risk of hospital admission due to covid. Therefore, recognising covid symptoms that may require medical intervention remains important.
Most covid patients will find their symptoms clear up fairly quickly. However, if symptoms continue, seeking professional advice may be necessary.
The NHS website instructs people to request an "urgent" GP appointment or ring 111 if experiencing symptoms lasting five days or longer. 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 notice your chest or back feeling warmer than normal.
Fever can also cause shivering, perspiration or warm, flushed skin. The NHS also advises people to contact 111 if:
Apart from a high temperature, covid symptoms can include:
The NHS says: "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."
If you have symptoms of covid, the NHS recommends trying to stay at home and avoiding contact with other people if you or your child have symptoms and either:
It adds: "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."