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Coronavirus (COVID-19)

COVID-19 is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. It was first identified in late 2019.


The spread of the disease can be unpredictable as new variants can emerge. Read the latest government COVID-19 guidance.

COVID-19 can present with a wide range of symptoms, from mild to severe. It's important to recognize these symptoms to seek timely medical advice.

Symptoms can include:

  • a high temperature or shivering (chills) - a high temperature means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
  • a new, continuous cough - this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours
  • a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
  • 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

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 you may be eligible to order a free lateral flow test.

If you think you may have COVID-19 staying at home, if you can, will prevent the spread of the disease to others.

There are lots of steps you can take to help prevent catching and spreading COVID-19:

  • get vaccinated against COVID-19 if you're eligible
  • wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitiser regularly
  • cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze and encourage children to do this
  • regularly clean surfaces you touch
  • think about wearing a face covering if you're in close contact with other people, or in crowded places

COVID-19 vaccine

If you're at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 due to your age or a health condition, you may be offered a seasonal COVID-19 vaccine.

This vaccine will help to reduce your chances of becoming seriously unwell if you become infected with COVID-19.

The COVID-19 vaccine is also offered to pregnant women.

A vaccine will also be offered to people who have close contact with those most vulnerable to infection including:

  • frontline health and social care staff
  • carers of vulnerable individuals
  • families of individuals with weakened immune systems

The COVID-19 vaccines will be offered in a variety of settings across Derbyshire. View a list of vaccination clinics.

You can book or manage a COVID-19 vaccination appointment at a venue that's best for you, or tel: 119 free of charge.

Translation services are available at 119. If you have difficulties communicating or hearing or are a British Sign Language (BSL) user, you can use textphone 18001 119 or the NHS 119 BSL interpreter service.

Find out more about the COVID-19 vaccine.