Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Coronavirus, and other respiratory infections such as flu, can spread easily and cause serious illness in some people.
The coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines help to build up your immunity to the virus, so your body will fight it off more easily if it affects you. Like all medicines, no vaccine is completely effective. Some people may still get coronavirus despite having a vaccine, but any illness should be less severe. There’s still a chance you might catch coronavirus, or another respiratory infection, if you’re vaccinated, and pass it on to other people.
Most people no longer need to take a coronavirus test. You can still access testing if you have a health condition which means you’re eligible for coronavirus treatments.
To prevent the spread of infection, you should stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you’re unwell. When you no longer have a fever (if you had one) and don’t need medicine to control your fever, you can return to normal activities. For example, work, school, and social events. There’s no specific time limit you need to avoid contact with others. You can use 48 hours as a rough guide.
Symptoms
Symptoms of coronavirus include:
- high temperature, fever or chills
- feeling generally unwell
- continuous cough
- loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell
- shortness of breath
- unexplained tiredness, lack of energy
- muscle aches or pains that are not due to exercise
- not wanting to eat or not feeling hungry
- headache that’s unusual or longer lasting than usual
- sore throat, stuffy or runny nose
- diarrhoea
- feeling sick or being sick
You might continue to have a cough or feel tired after your other symptoms have improved. This does not mean that you’re still infectious.
How to help your symptoms
Do
- drink fluids like water to keep yourself hydrated
- get plenty of rest
- wear loose, comfortable clothing – don’t try to make yourself too cold
- take over-the-counter medications like paracetamol – always follow the manufacturer’s instructions
Antibiotics will not relieve your symptoms or speed up your recovery.
Phone 999 or to go A&E if:
You or your child:
- seems very unwell, is getting worse or you think there’s something seriously wrong – children and babies in particular can get unwell very quickly
- gets sudden chest pain
- is so breathless they’re unable to say short sentences when resting, or breathing suddenly gets worse – in babies their stomach may suck under their ribs
- starts coughing up blood
- collapses, faints, or has a seizure or fit for the first time
- has a rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it, the same as meningitis
Speak to your GP if:
- your symptoms worsen
- you’re concerned about your symptoms
- you have symptoms that you can no longer manage at home
- you’re worried about your child, especially if they’re under 2 years
If your GP is closed, phone 111. In an emergency phone 999.
It’s particularly important to get help if you’re at increased risk of becoming more unwell from coronavirus such as if you’re pregnant, aged 60 or over, or have a weakened immune system.
Coronavirus self-help guide
Complete our self-help guide to check your symptoms and find out what to do next.
Stay at home advice
There are things you can do to reduce the spread of infection if you have symptoms or have tested positive.
To prevent the spread of infection, you should stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you’re unwell. When you no longer have a fever (if you had one) and don’t need medicine to control your fever, you can return to normal activities. For example, work, school, and social events. There’s no specific time limit you need to avoid contact with others. You can use 48 hours as a rough guide.
If you have respiratory symptoms:
- stay away from people at increased risk of becoming more unwell from coronavirus
- do not visit hospitals or care homes
In older adult care homes, residents who have tested positive for coronavirus should self-isolate for at least 5 days and until they’ve been fever-free for at least 48 hours without taking medicine to control their temperature.
How to reduce the spread of infection if you have symptoms
Do
- stay at home until you no longer have a fever (if you had one) and don’t need medicine to control your fever
- if you’ve been asked to attend a medical or dental appointment in person, tell them about your symptoms or positive test
- tell people you have recently been in contact with that you’re feeling unwell or have tested positive so they can be aware of symptoms, especially if they’re at increased risk of becoming more unwell from coronavirus
- ventilate rooms you have been in by opening windows
- regularly clean frequently touched surfaces, such as door handles and remote controls, and shared areas such as kitchens and bathrooms
- cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
- wash your hands regularly with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser after coughing, sneezing, blowing your nose, and before you eat or handle food
- tell anyone who needs to come into your home that you have symptoms or have tested positive so they can protect themselves
Don’t
- do not have close contact with anyone who is at increased risk of becoming more unwell from coronavirus, especially individuals with a weakened immune system, if you can avoid it
- do not go to crowded places or anywhere that is enclosed or poorly ventilated if you do leave home
Children and young people aged 18 and under
Respiratory infections are common in children and young people, particularly during the winter months. Symptoms can be caused by several respiratory infections including the common cold, coronavirus and RSV.
Children and young people with mild symptoms who are otherwise well can continue to attend their education setting. Mild symptoms include a runny nose, sore throat, or slight cough.
If a child or young person aged 18 or under tests positive or has respiratory symptoms, they should stay at home. When they no longer have a fever (if they had one), and don’t need medicine to control the fever, they can return to normal activities. There’s no specific time limit they need to avoid contact with others. You can use 48 hours as a rough guide.
Children and young people tend to be infectious for less time than adults.
For most children and young people, these illnesses will not be serious. They’ll soon recover following rest and plenty of fluids.
Very few children and young people with respiratory infections become seriously unwell.
Children and young people who usually go to school, college or childcare and who live with someone who has a positive coronavirus test result should continue to attend as normal.
Financial Support
The Self-Isolation Support Grant closed on 5 January 2023. Visit the Scottish Government’s Cost of Living support to find out about other financial help available.
Last updated:
01 August 2024