Some people are eligible for the autumn Covid booster jab
(Picture: Jeff J Mitchell / Getty Images)The number of people testing positive for Covid has increased in recent weeks, as has the number of hospitalisations and deaths.
More than 50,000 people tested positive for Covid in the seven days up to and including October 1, which is an increase of 21.8 per cent compared to the previous seven days.
Additionally, 450 people died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid in the same period, which is an increase of 9.8 per cent.
Nearly 8,000 people in England were admitted to hospital with Covid in the week up to and including October 3, which is an increase of 33.3 per cent compared to the previous week.
Find out below the latest advice on Covid symptoms, tests, and booster jabs to keep yourself and your loved ones safe this winter.
Covid-19 symptoms
Professor Tim Spector, of the Covid Zoe app, has warned that feeling fatigued in the morning, even after sleeping well, and a sore throat could be signs of Covid.
Meanwhile, the NHS says Covid symptoms can be very similar to cold and flu symptoms.
The following symptoms could all be signs of Covid:
- a high temperature or shivering (chills)
- a new, continuous cough
- a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
- shortness of breath
- feeling tired or exhausted
- an aching body
- a headache
- a sore throat
- a blocked or runny nose
- loss of appetite
- diarrhoea
- feeling sick or being sick
The NHS advises that, if you have a high temperature or don’t feel well enough to go to work, then you should stay home and avoid contact with other people.
Where to get Covid tests
Although the NHS no longer advises that people test for Covid even if they have symptoms, there has been an increase in the number of Covid tests taken in recent weeks.
Nearly half-a-million tests were taken in England in the week up to and including October 3, which is an increase of six per cent compared to the previous week.
PCR tests and LFTs are no longer free for most people, but they can be purchased from shops and pharmacies.
Some people are still eligible to get tested for free, including people with health conditions that mean they’re eligible for Covid treatments.
People who are going into hospital or who work in health care or adult social care may also be able to get tested for free.
Who is eligible for the Covid booster jab?
The following people can book a Covid vaccine online:
- People aged five and over can book their first or second dose
- People aged five and over with severely weakened immune systems can book additional primary doses
- People aged 16 and over and at-risk children 12 and older can book their first booster
- People over the age of 65 and people who are at higher risk can book their autumn booster
