The NHS has urged anyone with a specific Covid symptom to “turn the heating down”. Having your radiators on could be making it “worse”.

Although Covid cases have decreased slightly in recent weeks, the illness is still present in the UK. The latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) taken the week of October 27 shows that Covid cases in hospitals have dipped.

Covid-19 positivity in hospital settings had a weekly mean positivity rate of 5.7 per cent compared with 7.7 per cent in the previous week Covid-19 hospitalisations decreased to 2.22 per 100,000 compared with 2.51 per 100,000 in the previous week.

The UKHSA added that those aged 85 years and over had the “highest” hospital admission rate, which decreased to 22.71 per 100,000 compared with 28.59 per 100,000 in the previous week.

While some people will experience a more severe form of illness, many people who get Covid will recover by resting at home. However, the NHS warned that if you have one specific symptom you should take care to adapt your surroundings.

In particular, if you are suffering from breathlessness you should “try turning the heating down”. The NHS said: “Try turning the heating down or opening a window to help with breathlessness.”

READ MORE: Racing heart and increased tension can be sign of chronic health issue, doctor warns

READ MORE: 'My gran was evicted from care home. She's 98 and has dementia'

According to Asthma and Lung UK, heat can make breathlessness and other lung symptoms “worse”. A survey by the charity found that one in three people with asthma said hot weather exacerbated their symptoms.

It said: “Hot and humid air can affect your breathing and make asthma and other lung condition symptoms like breathlessness and wheezing worse.” If you’re experiencing breathlessness, the NHS also says: “Try not to panic if you're feeling breathless – this can make it worse”.

On top of this advice from the NHS, the health body recommends the following if you have Covid symptoms:

• Get lots of rest


• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration (your pee should be light yellow or clear)


• Take paracetamol or ibuprofen if you feel uncomfortable


• Try having a teaspoon of honey if you have a cough – do not give honey to babies under 12 months


• Try turning the heating down or opening a window to help with breathlessness


• Breathe slowly in through your nose and out through your mouth, with your lips together like you're gently blowing out a candle


• Sit upright in a chair to help with breathlessness


• Relax your shoulders, so you're not hunched to help with breathlessness


• Lean forward slightly – support yourself by putting your hands on your knees or on something stable like a chair to help with breathlessness


• Do not lie on your back if you have a cough – lie on your side or sit upright instead


• Do not use a fan to cool your room as it may spread the virus

If you test positive you should try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for five days if possible to avoid spreading the infection.