COVID-19 guidance

Last reviewed: 19 September 2024

Contents

• Vaccination
• Testing
• What to do if you have or might have COVID-19
• How to look after yourself at home if you have COVID-19 or symptoms of COVID-19
• Supporting your recovery after COVID-19

Vaccination

Visit the NHS website to find out how to get your COVID-19 vaccination, read about the vaccines and find out what happens when you have your coronavirus vaccination.

Testing

Coronavirus (COVID-19) tests are no longer free for most people.

Some people can still get free COVID-19 rapid lateral flow tests from the NHS. You can get tests if:

• You have a health condition which means you're eligible for COVID-19 treatments
• You work in healthcare settings or in a hospice

More information about who can get a free NHS coronavirus (COVID-19) test is available on the NHS website.

What to do if you have or might have COVID-19

Find out what to do if you've tested positive or have symptoms of COVID-19, or been in close contact with someone with COVID-19.

Try to stay at home and avoid contact with others if you have tested positive or have symptoms.

If you have or might have COVID-19 there are steps you can take to avoid passing the infection on to the people you live with or who are staying overnight with you.

There's separate guidance for children and young people aged 18 and under.

How to look after yourself at home if you have COVID-19 or symptoms of COVID-19

Most people with COVID-19 or symptoms of COVID-19 feel better within a few weeks.

You may be able to look after yourself at home while you recover.

While you're ill, ask a friend, family member or neighbour to check up on you. Arrange a regular call or talk through a doorway (not face to face) so they can check how you're doing.

More information on treating symptoms is available on the NHS website.

Supporting your recovery after COVID-19

As you find yourself recovering from COVID-19, you may still have symptoms that affect your body and mind.

These symptoms should get better over time and some may last longer than others, but there are things you can do to help.

Information about ongoing symptomatic COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 syndrome, and links to further resources and support can be found on our Long-COVID information page.