Some key symptoms of Covid-19 are:

• High temperature
• New and continuous cough – or a cough that’s worse than usual
• Loss or change to sense of smell and/or taste.
• The majority of people should be reassured that their symptoms can be managed at home and there are over-the-counter (OTC) solutions and self care tips they can follow. Pharmacy teams can suggest that those with Covid ensure they get plenty of rest and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

It is still important to stop the spread of infection, so customers with Covid-19 should:

• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Use hand sanitiser on a regular basis during the day
• Stay at home where possible.

The following symptoms should be urgently referred to A&E:

• Sudden chest pain
• Breathlessness to the point in which the person is unable to say short sentences when resting; difficulty breathing or breathing has gotten worse
• Coughing up blood
• Loss of speech or mobility or confusion
• Fainting or experiencing a seizure or fit for the first time
• A rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it, similar to that of meningitis.

See the NHS website for the latest information and advice: nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19 and TM’s Coronavirus module for more learning: tmmagazine.co.uk/learning/coronavirus-2024.