COVID-19

COVID-19 is a viral infection that can cause cold like symptoms.

COVID-19 vaccination is the best way to protect yourself from becoming seriously unwell or dying from COVID-19.

Most people feel better within a few days or weeks of their first COVID-19 symptoms and make a full recovery within 12 weeks. However, for some people, it can be a more serious illness and their symptoms can last longer.

Local walk in clinics in community locations

To know about the COVID vaccination local walk in clinics in community locations in the borough

Find more information here

Symptoms

The symptoms of COVID-19 are very similar to symptoms of other illnesses, such as colds and flu. You can find the full list of symptoms here.

The advice is to stay home and avoid contact with other people. Especially if you:

have COVID-19 symptoms
have a high temperature
do not feel well enough to do your normal activities

You can go back to your normal activities when you feel better or your high temperature stops.

You are no longer required to do a COVID-19 test if you have symptoms.

Find out what to do if you choose do a test and get a positive result here.

Vaccinations

COVID-19 vaccination is effective and the safest way to protect yourself from COVID-19.

COVID-19 vaccines provided for free by the NHS to people at most risk from COVID-19, and are normally given seasonally. Some people with a severely weakened immune system may get vaccinations at other times of year to provide additional protection. The NHS will contact you if your NHS record suggests you may be eligible for a seasonal COVID-19 vaccine.

Find out who is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine here.

You can find out where to get a vaccine, including walk in locations, near you via the NHS website.

You can find out more information about the vaccine's benefits, safety and possible side effects here.

If you are not yet registered with a GP, you can register with your local GP for free. Click here to register today.

Long COVID

Most people with COVID-19 feel better within a few days or weeks of their first symptoms and make a full recovery within 12 weeks.

For some people, symptoms can last longer. This is called long COVID or post COVID-19 syndrome. Long COVID is a new condition which is still being studied.

The most common symptoms of long COVID are:

extreme tiredness (fatigue)
feeling short of breath
problems with your memory and concentration ("brain fog")
heart palpitations
dizziness
joint pain and muscle aches

Find out more about Long COVID including how you can get support here.

Testing

COVID-19 tests are no longer available for free for most people. You can purchase tests from your local pharmacy or supermarket.

If you have a health condition which means you’re eligible for COVID-19 treatments, you may still be able to get free COVID-19 tests from the NHS. Click here out where you can get your free tests in North East London, and when you should use them.

You do not need to do a COVID-19 test if you have symptoms, if you are not eligible for COVID-19 treatment.

Find out what to do if you choose to do a test and get a positive result here.

Treatment

The NHS offers treatment to people with COVID-19 who are at the highest risk of becoming seriously ill. Find out more about the treatment available here.

You're eligible for a COVID-19 treatment assessment, without being admitted to hospital, if all the following apply:

you're at highest risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19
you're aged 12 or over
you have symptoms of COVID-19
you have tested positive for COVID-19

Find out how to access treatment, if you are eligible, in North East London here.

There are multiple treatments available for COVID-19. When you are assessed by the doctor they will let you know the best option for you.