As the Omicron variant continues to spread, more and more people across the country are testing positive for Coronavirus.
On Christmas Eve, Wales recorded hows 6,755 new positive cases - the highest in one day. Most people are able to manage their symptoms at home, but sadly some do need hospital treatment.
If you are experiencing coronavirus symptoms, you should take a PCR test and self-isolate until you get your results.
If you test positive, you need to self isolate for 10 days from the day of your positive test.
The Covid symptoms you need to look out for are:
- a high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
- a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
- a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you've noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal
Other common symptoms include fatigue, muscle or body ache, headache, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting and diarrhea.
Most people with coronavirus feel better within a few weeks, and you may be able to look after yourself at home while you recover.
Here's everything you need to know about how to look after yourself at home if you have Covid-19.
Should I let my friends and family know that I have Covid?
Yes. While you are ill with coronavirus, it might be worth asking a friend or family member - maybe even a neighbour, to check up on you from time to time. You can arrange a regular call over the phone or talk through the doorway (not face to face) so they can check on how you are doing.
If you have coronavirus, or are self isolating until you receive your result, you should not be in contact with others to minimise the transmission of the virus.
What should I do if I have Covid and I'm pregnant?
If you're pregnant and have symptoms of Covid-19, it's important that you tell your midwife or maternity team. They can provide you with advice and help with any of your concerns as they usually would.
If you are unsure how coronavirus could affect you, your baby and your pregnancy care, speak to your midwife or maternity team or you can find out more here.
What should I do if my child or children have Covid?
The NHS website advises parents to call 111 if they're worried about a baby or child. If they seem very unwell or are getting worse - call 999. Do not delay getting help if you're worried.
For more advice on how to look out for Covid symptoms in children, click here.
How do I treat a high temperature?
High temperature is one potential symptom of Covid-19. You may experience that you feel hot to touch on your chest or back - you don't need to measure your temperature.
In this situation, it can help to get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids - especially water in order to avoid dehydration, and take a paracetamol or ibuprofen if you feel uncomfortable.
There has been reports of anti-inflammatory painkillers, such as ibuprofen, making Covid-19 worse. However, according to the Commission on Human Medicines there is no clear evidence that using ibuprofen to treat symptoms such as high temperature makes Covid-19 worse.
You can take paracetamol or ibuprofen to treat symptoms of Covid-19. Try paracetamol first if you can, as it has fewer side effects than ibuprofen and is the safer choice for most people. Always follow the instructions that come with your medicine.
How do I treat a cough?
With Covid-19, you may find that you have a new, continuous cough that happens for more than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours. If you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual.
It's best to avoid lying on your back, and instead try lying on your side or sit upright. In order to ease your cough, the NHS recommends having a teaspoon of honey but do not give honey to babies under 12 months.
If this does not help or the cough worsens, try and contact your local pharmacist for advice on cough treatments. If you have Covid symptoms, do not go to the pharmacy and stay at home - it's best to contact your pharmacy over the phone or online instead.
What if I'm feeling breathless?
Keeping your room cool can help if you are feeling breathless, which can be done by turning the heating down or opening a window. However, do not use a fan as this may spread the virus.
You could also try breathing slowly in through your nose and out through your mouth, keeping your lips together as if you're gently blowing out a candle.
Sitting upright in a chair can also help and relaxing your shoulders so that your posture is not hunched. Leaning forward slightly can also help with breathlessness and you can do this by putting your hands on your knees or on something stable like a chair in order to support yourself.
If you are feeling breathless, try not to panic as this can make it worse.
What do I do if my symptoms are getting worse?
If your symptoms gets worse, you can go to 111.nhs.uk, call 111 or call your GP surgery.
You should get in contact with NHS 111 or your GP if:
- you're feeling gradually more unwell or more breathless
- you have difficulty breathing when you stand up or move around
- you feel very weak, achy or tired
- you're shaking or shivering
- you've lost your appetite
- you're unable to care for yourself – for example, tasks like washing and dressing or making food are too difficult
However, you should go to A&E if:
If you still feel unwell after four weeks, this could be long Covid. For further information on this, click here.
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