NHS adds NINE new Covid symptoms to official list as free testing comes to an end

The NHS has updated its Covid symptom list for the first time in two years as free testing comes to an end.

On Friday April 1st, the health service quietly added nine new symptoms to its list which has, until now, featured three symptoms; a high temperature, a new and continuous cough, and a loss or change to smell and taste.

But now, as Covid numbers begin to creep up once again across the country, there are a number of new symptoms the NHS wants people to be looking out for.

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While the updated the list contains the original three symptoms, the new ones are as follows:

• 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

After listing the new symptoms, the NHS website highlights: “The symptoms are very similar to symptoms of other illnesses, such as colds and flu.”

The website also urges people to take Covid tests, stay at home and avoid contact with others, even if their symptoms are only mild.

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However, the government guidance also advises people with symptoms to go to work as long as they feel well enough to do so. 

People are also no longer legally obligated to self-isolate if they test positive for Covid, though the NHS continues to urge them to do so.

The NHS website advises people to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if they have any symptoms of Covid, have a high temperature, or if they do not feel well enough to go to work or do their normal activities.

You can read the NHS’s full list of guidelines and advice here.