August M
As winter illness spreads through workplaces and households, many people are left guessing what they have actually caught. While colds, flu and Covid-19 share overlapping symptoms, doctors say there are signs that can help tell them apart.
A UK GP has outlined the differences, stressing that medical advice should always be sought if symptoms are unclear.
Seasonal spread
Doctors say respiratory viruses circulate more easily during colder months, when people spend more time indoors and in close contact with others.
According to LADBIBLE, Dr Rupa Parmar, a GP and medical director at Midland Health, said understanding symptom patterns can help people recognise what they may be dealing with.
“There are some key differences between a common cold, Covid and flu that can easily help you differentiate them,” she said, adding that seeing a doctor is always advisable if there is doubt.
Cough clues
One of the clearest indicators, Dr Parmar said, is the type of cough.
A flu-related cough is typically dry and develops suddenly, often alongside other intense symptoms. By contrast, a cold cough is usually milder and less disruptive.
Covid-related coughs also tend to be dry, but Dr Parmar said persistence is the key difference, reports LADbible
Covid signs
“With Covid, a cough will be dry and continuous, and many people will cough for more than an hour or have three or more coughing episodes within a day,” she said.
The NHS describes a Covid cough as “continuous”, meaning coughing a lot for more than an hour, or having three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours.
Health officials say most people recover within a few weeks, though some experience longer-lasting symptoms or more serious illness, notes LADbible
NHS guidance
The NHS says most people no longer need to take a rapid Covid test, even if they develop symptoms such as a dry cough or fever.
People under 18 are advised to stay at home and avoid contact with others for three days after a test, as children are generally infectious for a shorter time.
Health officials also advise avoiding contact with people at higher risk of severe illness for 10 days after testing, and suggest speaking to a pharmacist for cough treatment advice.
Sources: LADBIBLE, NHS
