COVID boosters are being rolled out for people in specific vulnerable groups.
But as the winter season kicks in, so do the colds and coughs we haven’t seen so much of in the past year.
Now we are all mingling freely again, germs are being spread at a quicker rate and the classic winter bugs have made a return.
The common cold is rife at the moment, with Brits all over the country complaining they are suffering.
Many have said it’s the “worst cold ever”, but in reality it’s just that the majority haven’t tackled one for a while and so it feels much worse than normal.
However, it does make it difficult to know what to do when you are ill, but you suspect it is “just” a cold.
Firstly, you should probably take a leaf out of the pandemic rulebook and work from home if you run the risk of spreading any germs.
Secondly, people who have been vaccinated and those suffering with the Covid Delta variant are now reporting more cold-like symptoms.
So if you have suddenly developed a cold, it’s best to have a lateral flow test and a PCR to be sure it’s not Covid.
And if you are due to have your booster third dose and suddenly become under the weather, you will have more questions…
Can I still have the Covid booster if I have a cold?
The short answer is yes.
If you are certain it is not Covid you are suffering with and you are well enough to leave home, you can get your third shot with confidence.
It might make you feel a bit rougher than if you weren’t ill, but overall it’s perfectly safe – and you can emerge from your unwell funk safe in the knowledge you are protected against coronavirus.
NHS guidance says you should still attend your appointment even if you have a mild illness, including a cold.
But if you suddenly feel very unwell, stay at home and book an appointment when you are better.
If you have Covid symptoms, are self-isolating or waiting for your coronavirus test result you should also not attend your appointment.
It’s easy to rearrange your slot through the booking system.
Who is eligible for the booster jab?
In order to get the third dose of the life-saving vaccine, people in the UK have to wait to be told they can book in.
At the moment only those over 50 and over 16s with an underlying health condition, and health and social care workers will be offered a booster.
And only a portion of those groups will be eligible for a booster, as a large chunk won’t be more than six months on from their second jab – which is vital for booster requirements.
So even if you are in the groups able to be offered a booster, you have to wait to be called up.
