The NHS has issued new advice urging individuals experiencing a high temperature lasting five days or more despite paracetamol to seek urgent medical attention, as Covid-19 remains circulating at medium levels across the UK and vaccination efforts continue with the autumn booster programme.
The NHS has issued updated guidance urging people to call 111 or book an urgent GP appointment if they experience a high temperature lasting five days or more while showing Covid symptoms. This alert aims to prompt timely medical attention for more severe cases of the illness, particularly as the virus continues to circulate at medium levels across the UK.
According to recent data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Covid-19 cases have fallen slightly, with a weekly positivity rate dipping to 12% from 13.1% the previous week. Hospital admissions have also decreased marginally, although the oldest age group—those aged 85 and over—still faces the highest risk of hospitalisation due to the virus. This makes recognising serious symptoms critical for early intervention.
The specific symptom that triggers the NHS’s urgent advice is a high temperature of 38°C or higher (or feeling an unusually hot chest or back) persisting for five days despite taking paracetamol. Accompanying signs might include shivering, sweating, or warm, red skin. Apart from this, the NHS recommends calling 111 if you—or a child—are worried about worsening symptoms, experience additional illness signs such as rash or loss of appetite, or have a young child (under six months) with a high temperature.
Covid symptoms can mimic those of colds or the flu and include a new continuous cough, loss or change to sense of smell or taste, shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, headache, sore throat, blocked or runny nose, diarrhoea, or nausea and vomiting. Most people recover within a few weeks, but some may have a longer or more serious illness course.
While mild symptoms can often be managed at home, the NHS advises self-isolation and reduced contact with others until you feel better and no longer have a high temperature. Children with mild symptoms but who feel well enough may still attend school or childcare.
For those at high risk of severe Covid illness—such as older adults or individuals with chronic health conditions—the NHS offers treatment assessments for COVID-19 following a positive test. Early treatment is emphasised for improved outcomes, and appointments can be arranged via a GP, NHS 111, or hospital specialists.
Vaccination remains a key protective measure. The UKHSA and the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) have updated criteria for the autumn 2023 booster programme. Eligible groups for the booster include all adults aged 65 and over, residents in care homes for older adults, individuals aged 6 months to 64 years in clinical risk groups, frontline NHS and social care workers, and those living with immunosuppressed household members. The autumn booster aims to reduce hospitalisations and severe Covid outcomes, with UKHSA data indicating steady vaccine uptake in priority groups.
This collective guidance underscores the importance of recognising persistent or worsening symptoms, seeking medical advice promptly, and maintaining vaccination to protect vulnerable populations during the ongoing circulation of Covid-19.
📌 Reference Map:
- Paragraph 1 – [1] (Birmingham Mail), [2] (NHS UK)
- Paragraph 2 – [1] (Birmingham Mail), [5] (UKHSA)
- Paragraph 3 – [1] (Birmingham Mail)
- Paragraph 4 – [1] (Birmingham Mail), [2] (NHS UK)
- Paragraph 5 – [1] (Birmingham Mail), [2] (NHS UK)
- Paragraph 6 – [3] (NHS UK)
- Paragraph 7 – [1] (Birmingham Mail), [4] (UKHSA), [5] (UKHSA), [6] (UKHSA)
- Paragraph 8 – [1] (Birmingham Mail), [5] (UKHSA), [7] (UKHSA)
Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative presents recent guidance from the NHS regarding COVID-19 symptoms and the recommendation to call 111 for a high temperature lasting five days or more. This aligns with existing NHS advice, with the latest update reviewed on 21 March 2023. ([nhs.uk](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/covid-19/covid-19-symptoms-and-what-to-do/?utm_source=openai)) The report also mentions a slight decrease in COVID-19 cases and hospital admissions, which is consistent with recent trends. However, the specific data points and the recommendation to call 111 for a persistent high temperature are not new and have been part of NHS guidance for some time. The inclusion of updated data may justify a higher freshness score, but the core information remains consistent with previous communications. ([nhs.uk](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/covid-19/covid-19-symptoms-and-what-to-do/?utm_source=openai)) Additionally, the report references a press release from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) dated 26 June 2025, indicating that the narrative is based on recent official communications. ([ukhsa.blog.gov.uk](https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2022/04/01/what-to-do-if-you-have-symptoms-of-a-respiratory-infection-including-covid-19-or-a-positive-covid-19-test/?utm_source=openai))
Quotes check
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative includes direct quotes from the NHS and UKHSA, such as the recommendation to call 111 if a high temperature persists for five days or more. These quotes are consistent with existing NHS guidance, with the latest update reviewed on 21 March 2023. ([nhs.uk](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/covid-19/covid-19-symptoms-and-what-to-do/?utm_source=openai)) The wording of the quotes matches previous communications, indicating that the content may be reused. However, no earlier versions with different figures, dates, or quotes were identified. The lack of new quotes or variations in wording suggests that the content is not original.
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Birmingham Mail, a reputable news outlet, and references official communications from the NHS and UKHSA. The inclusion of a press release from the UKHSA dated 26 June 2025 adds credibility to the report. ([ukhsa.blog.gov.uk](https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2022/04/01/what-to-do-if-you-have-symptoms-of-a-respiratory-infection-including-covid-19-or-a-positive-covid-19-test/?utm_source=openai)) The reliance on official sources and reputable media outlets strengthens the reliability of the information presented.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims made in the narrative are plausible and align with existing NHS guidance and recent trends in COVID-19 cases and hospital admissions. The recommendation to call 111 for a persistent high temperature is consistent with previous advice. The inclusion of updated data on COVID-19 cases and hospital admissions adds context but does not introduce new or surprising information. The language and tone are consistent with official NHS communications, and there are no inconsistencies or off-topic details.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is based on existing NHS guidance and recent official communications, with no significant discrepancies or signs of disinformation. The reliance on reputable sources and the consistency with previous information support the credibility of the report.
