The number of Covid cases has risen significantly over the past two weeks, with experts warning of a fifth wave by 2022.
As of Monday, December 26, there were 265,481 new infections with symptoms, according to the latest data from the ZOE Health Study. This is higher than 219,131 on Wednesday, December 14th.
This is the highest level since the end of July and significantly higher than during most of the pandemic.
ZOE predicts cases will peak in mid-January at around 300,000 cases per day, still well below the record 351,546 cases set in July.
The high level is due to cold weather forcing people to stay at home, as well as active communication due to Christmas shopping and the World Cup. Cold and flu infections have skyrocketed for the same reasons.
Here’s expert advice on what to do if you get Covid and how long the infection usually lasts.
What should I do if I get Covid?
The UK has lifted all Covid restrictions, so there is no legal obligation to self-isolate. However, people are still advised to stay away from others if they have the virus.
UK government guidelines say: “If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection such as Covid-19 and have a fever or are not feeling well in order to go to work or engage in normal activities, try to avoid household contact with other people until until your fever has subsided (if you had one) or until you no longer feel unwell.
“It is especially important to avoid close contact with people who you know are at higher risk of serious illness if they are infected with Covid-19 and other respiratory infections, especially people whose immune systems are failing. A higher risk represents a serious illness. despite being vaccinated.
“Try to work from home as much as possible. If you can’t work from home, talk to your employer about the options available to you.”
What are the main symptoms of Covid?
- Persistent cough
- High fever, fever or chills
- Loss or change in your normal sense of taste or smell
- dyspnea
- Unexplained fatigue, lack of energy
- Muscle pain or pain not related to exercise
- Does not want to eat or is not hungry
- Headaches that are unusual or last longer than usual
- Sore throat, stuffy or runny nose
- diarrhea, nausea or vomiting
If you must leave your home, the government recommends the following:
- Wearing a well-fitting layered face covering or surgical mask
- Avoid crowded places such as public transportation, large social gatherings, or closed or poorly ventilated areas.
- Exercise outdoors in places where you won’t be in close contact with other people.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer after coughing. sneezing and blowing your nose, and before eating or handling food; Avoid touching your face
The government no longer provides free Covid testing kits, but you can buy them at most pharmacies, usually for around £1-2 per test.
How long does Covid last?
Most people only have symptoms of Covid for a few days, and the vast majority make a full recovery within a week or two.
Some symptoms, such as changes in taste and smell, and coughing, may last longer.
People are most contagious one to two days before symptoms appear and two to three days after.
what is long covid
For some people, Covid-19 can cause symptoms that last weeks or months after the infection clears up.
This is commonly referred to as long-term covid as well as post-covid-19 syndrome.
People with long-term Covid are not contagious and do not need to self-isolate.
The US National Health Service says the likelihood of long-term symptoms “seems to be unrelated to how sick you were when you first got Covid-19.” People who initially had mild symptoms may develop problems over time.
Common long term symptoms of Covid include:
- Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
- dyspnea
- chest pain or tightness
- Memory and concentration disorders (“brain fog”)
- sleep disorders (insomnia)
- heart palpitations
- dizziness
- needles and pins
- joint pain
- depression and anxiety
- Ringing in the ears, ear pain
- Nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite
- High fever, cough, headache, sore throat, change in smell or taste
- result
If you think you have Covid for a long time, you should contact your doctor. They will discuss with you the care and support you need.
If your symptoms are seriously affecting your life, you may be referred to a specialized rehabilitation service or one that specializes in your specific symptoms.
These services can help you manage your symptoms and help you get better.
Source: I News
I’m Raymond Molina, a professional writer and journalist with over 5 years of experience in the media industry. I currently work for 24 News Reporters, where I write for the health section of their news website. In my role, I am responsible for researching and writing stories on current health trends and issues. My articles are often seen as thought-provoking pieces that provide valuable insight into the state of society’s wellbeing.