Preston residents are being urged by Lancashire’s top health experts 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-19 are a high temperature, a persistent cough or a loss of smell or taste.

Advertisements

There are, however, other symptoms that have been reported by people who have tested positive, such as a persistent headache and diarrhoea.

Read more: Fylde has third-fastest rising Covid rate in England as Preston and Lancashire continues to fall

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 (LRF), which brings together public bodies including Lancashire’s councils, police, fire, and health to lead the county’s response to the emergency.

Read more: Former B&M store in Preston city centre to be converted for NHS use

Angie Ridgwell, chair of the LRF said: “If you’re concerned that you’re feeling unwell and are unsure whether you have coronavirus, then please get a 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

Read more: Call for Lancashire not to be penalised by having Covid vaccine supply cut

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

Find the latest coronavirus stats in your area below

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines