Most people with COVID-19 — especially if they are fully vaccinated and boosted — are likely to have a mild to moderate illness and will be fine to recover at home.
Symptoms for COVID-19 tend to show 2 to 5 days after a person has been infected but can take up to 14 days. Omicron causes similar symptoms to other variants.
Advice on managing your COVID-19 symptoms | COVID-19 Health Hub (external link)
If you need advice
If you need advice on how to treat your symptoms or have worsening symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider or call Healthline on 0800 358 5453.
If it is an emergency
If your symptoms get worse or you need urgent medical care, call your local healthcare provider or Healthline on 0800 358 5453
If you or the person you are caring for develops difficulty breathing, severe chest pain, fainting or becomes unconscious, call 111 immediately.
If you require hospital-level care, it is free.
Medicines are available to treat COVID-19
Free antivirals to treat COVID-19 are available for people who are at risk of developing serious illness and for some people who have tested positive for COVID-19.
Medicines to treat COVID-19