| Lancashire’s top health experts are urging residents to get a Covid-19 test if they are concerned about their health – even if they aren’t showing the classic symptoms.
The three main symptoms of Covid are a high temperature, a persistent cough or a loss of smell or taste. But there are other symptoms that have been reported by people who have tested positive, such as a persistent headache and diarrhoea. You can read the other symptoms on the World Health Organisation website. Up to a third of people have no symptoms at all, but are still infectious. Lancashire’s three directors of public health are calling on anyone who is worried they may have coronavirus to book a test through the NHS website. They are being backed by the Lancashire Resilience Forum, which brings together public bodies including Lancashire’s councils, police, fire, and health to lead the county’s response to the emergency. Angie Ridgwell, chair of the LRF said: “If you’re concerned that you’re feeling unwell and are unsure whether you have COVID, then please get a Covid test, so that we can help to reduce the spread of infection in Lancashire. “We know that some people have been testing positive without showing the usual three symptoms, so it’s really important to keep following the guidance, get a test and keep yourself safe. “Rates are still high in parts of Lancashire. It will take time to get people vaccinated, so we must keep working together to reduce the spread of the virus.” You can book a free test by calling 119, book online at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or through the government’s NHS Covid app: www.nhs.uk/apps-library/nhs-covid-19 When you are booking a test, if you don’t have the classic symptoms, simply say you don’t. A few clicks later on the website, you can then choose the option which says: “My local council or health protection team has asked me (or someone I live with) to get a test, even though I do not have symptoms”. Targeted rapid testing for people without symptoms, particularly for key businesses, is also currently taking place in the county. Support is available for people who need to stay at home after a positive test. Find out more at www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-and-treatment
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