Consideration still needed to protect against covid infection

PEOPLE with wider symptoms of Covid-19 and other respiratory illnesses are urged to be careful and considerate to help protect others from infection.

While most people are aware of the three main symptoms of the virus, other common symptoms that could indicate somebody is infectious with Covid include:

■ 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 is unusual or longer lasting than usual

■ sore throat, stuffy or runny nose

■ diarrhoea, feeling sick or being sick

Cabinet Support Member for Public Health and Integrated Care, Dr Johnny Mcmahon, said:

“We can all protect each other by doing our best to avoid contact with others if we think we’re infectious.

“Although the three main symptoms of Covid-19 have been widely publicised, many people may not be aware of wider respiratory illness symptoms that could indicate infection and although any symptom in isolation might not necessarily mean somebody is Covid positive, it’s important to avoid close contact with others when feeling unwell.”

The advice for anybody with symptoms of a respiratory infection is to try and stay at home and avoid contact with others until they no longer feel unwell or have a high temperature.

If people need to leave home, they are urged to avoid close contact with others, especially those who are older or clinically vulnerable, and take sensible precautions to reduce the chance of passing on infection, such as wearing a well fitted face covering, avoiding crowded places and washing or sanitising hands frequently.

Dr Mcmahon also encouraged people to get fully vaccinated to ensure any Covid-19 symptoms experienced are as mild as possible.

“Getting vaccinated remains the best way to protect yourself from severe symptoms of Covid-19, so if you are still in need of a first, second or booster dose, please get this booked or attend a local walk-in clinic as soon as possible.”

■ More information can be found at www.gov.uk/ coronavirus and more information on how to get a Covid-19 vaccine can be found at www.nhs.uk/coronavirusvaccine.