Respiratory infection
COVID-19
A coronavirus illness that can range from mild symptoms to severe disease; some symptoms persist after infection.
How it spreads
Infectious respiratory particles in the air, particularly during close contact or in shared indoor spaces.
Symptoms and context
Fever, sore throat, fatigue and cough; breathing difficulty or chest pain can signal severe illness.
Prevention
Follow local vaccination guidance, improve indoor ventilation and reduce close contact when ill.
When to seek advice
Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, confusion or persistent chest pain. People at higher risk should contact care early.
On the desk
No reviewed event summary is currently listed for this category. Search its collected reporting.
Read the original guidance
This is general information. Current local health guidance and professional assessment take priority for individual decisions.