Covid symptoms to look out for after Christmas and the last date you can get the Covid vaccine
Those who are eligible for the Covid vaccine are being asked to come forward before the scheme ends 🤧
- Cases of Covid are currently stable.
- The Covid variants Stratus and Nimbus drove case numbers in the autumn.
- Those who are eligible for the Covid vaccine and have not yet come forward are being urged to get their jab before the scheme ends.
The holiday season is underway, with many of us looking forward to meeting up with friends and family to celebrate.
Since the Covid pandemic began in 2020, there have been many variants and subvariants, with new variants Stratus and Nimbus driving case numbers in the autumn.
Whilst cases of Covid are stable at the moment, there’s nothing worse than finding yourself under the weather at this time of year, with people being asked to look out for the signs and those eligible to get the Covid vaccine if they haven’t done so already.
As we spend time with friends and family over the New Year, these are the symptoms of Covid we need to watch out for.
Where to get Covid tests?
The symptoms of Covid can be similar to those of a cold or the flu, which is why if you find yourself feeling unwell, it’s important to take a Covid test so you can prevent spreading it to vulnerable friends and family members over the holiday season.
Covid tests are available from pharmacies, shops or online. If you are aged 12 years and over and are at high risk of being seriously ill from Covid, you are eligible for free Covid tests from your local pharmacy.
What are the symptoms of Covid?
Symptoms of Covid have largely remained the same, despite the different variants.
Signs of Covid can include:
- a high temperature or shivering
- a new, continuous cough
- a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
- shortness of breath
- fatigue
- body aches
- a headache
- a sore throat
- a blocked or runny nose
- loss of appetite
- diarrhoea
- feeling sick or being sick
However, many patients with the new Covid variants Stratus and Nimbus, which caused an increase in cases in autumn, have reported experiencing a hoarse throat or a razor blade feeling in their throat as early symptoms.
Can I still get a Covid vaccine?
If you are eligible for the Covid vaccine, you can access this at a walk-in vaccination clinic or a local participating pharmacy. But you’ll have to be quick, winter Covid jabs are only available until January 31, 2026.
Cases of Covid are stable at the moment, but that doesn’t mean it’s gone away. You can find out more about the symptoms to look out for and whether you need to isolate if you test positive at NHS.UK.