Symptoms include:
- a high temperature of more than 37.8C (100F) or shivering (cold) – a high temperature means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
- a new and persistent cough - this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
- 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
Emergency warning signs
If you develop any of the following emergency warning signs for COVID-19 please seek medical attention immediately by calling 999.
Emergency warning signs include*:
- difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- new confusion or inability to rouse
- bluish lips or face
*This list is not exhaustive.
Please consult your GP or MEDS out of hours service for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.
When to have a test?
If you experience any of the symptoms above, you are encouraged to take a lateral flow test.
You are also encouraged to do an LFT before visiting vulnerable people or attending any health or care setting.
If you test positive you are encouraged to report the result online – this helps us monitor the level of COVID-19 infection on Island.
Find out what to do if you test positive.
You should only need a PCR test for the following reasons:
- You require a PCR in order to receive anti-viral treatment (eligible patients only) – these PCR tests are organised by your GP
- You require a PCR test prior to travelling to the UK for Manx Care funded treatment – these PCR tests are organised by 111
- You require a test prior to travelling across to the UK for private hospital treatment or for a private patient transfer – these are organised through 111 and cost £50
- You require a test as part of international travel requirements – there are booked through 111 and cost £50
More information on PCR tests and how to book one.
How to get a test?
You can order your LFTs online using the below form, or you can collect them from participating pharmacies. Please contact your local pharmacy to see if they have kits available and any collection restrictions they have in place.
You will be asked for your full name and postal address. Orders will normally be delivered next day if the order is received prior to 4pm. This may vary depending on the resources and supplies available at the time.