Immediate danger to life: call 999 or 112.
UK Ready is an independent information site. Current official instructions for your area take priority over this general guidance.
Sources checked 13 October 2026
Use advice from the relevant UK public health service about the actual illness and location. Do not diagnose an outbreak's cause or deliberate intent from a symptom list, a rumour or an unfamiliar powder. Report a suspicious substance to emergency services rather than touching or testing it.
For ordinary respiratory infection, UK guidance supports staying home and avoiding contact with others when you have a high temperature or feel too unwell for normal activity. Protect people at greater risk, practise hand and cough hygiene and follow current vaccination advice if eligible. More serious or unfamiliar outbreaks may require different instructions; UK Ready must not reuse old COVID isolation durations for a new disease.
Ventilation can reduce infection spread where it is safe to ventilate. This ordinary advice must not override an active chemical or radiation instruction to close openings. If both hazards are present, follow the current public health and emergency instructions for your area.
Vomiting and diarrhoea: Use soap and safe water after toileting and before food handling. Alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus. Keep cleaning and food preparation separate and avoid preparing food for others when infectious. Seek NHS advice if someone cannot retain fluids, appears dehydrated or is becoming seriously unwell.
Household arrangements: Keep necessary medicines and familiar food available, arrange help with shopping and care, and check how to access healthcare if you cannot travel. Do not accumulate antibiotics, take another person's medicines or use chemical disinfectants on the body or as a drink. Vaccines, tests and treatments should follow the disease-specific guidance.
For an official biological incident: Follow instructions about affected locations, movement, assessment and treatment. Provide your location and exposure history if asked. Do not leave an advised shelter or queue at a hospital unless that is the directed route or urgent medical help is required.
Use 999 for life-threatening symptoms and the relevant nation's urgent care route for other concerns. Check public health advice after restrictions change; a news headline is not the detailed instruction.