Flu and colds are frequent occurrences within the autumn and winter months as we change into extra weak to diseases.
Nevertheless, because the begin of the pandemic, Covid has additionally entered the combination.
Once more, we’re extra vulnerable to an infection through the winter, as we spend extra time indoors in addition to the truth that the virus is ready to survive longer in chilly, dry situations.
It may be tough to inform the diseases aside, although, with lots of the signs interchangeable.
GP for LloydsPharmacy On-line Physician, Physician Neel Patel, spoke with Categorical.co.uk about the way to inform the distinction between Covid and flu.
“With winter climate beginning to settle in, we must always anticipate to see an increase in instances of colds, flus, and the coronavirus,” he mentioned.
“With every of those circulating at larger charges, it’s essential to know the distinction between a chilly and flu, or coronavirus and flu.
“Understanding which sickness you may need means you’ll be able to greatest deal with your self and shield others.”
He warned that Covid might be extra “extreme” in addition to extra contagious.
Dr Patel mentioned: “Whereas many signs could also be related between the flu and coronavirus, typically, the coronavirus may cause extra extreme sickness than the flu and is extra contagious.”
He continued: “Folks with flu usually really feel very unwell for 2 or three days and can proceed to expertise signs for round one other 5 days.
“After that, you might really feel drained and run down for an extra two or three weeks.”
Compared, signs of Covid would possibly seem stronger for longer.
“Folks with coronavirus normally start to point out signs 5 to 6 days after being uncovered and signs generally last as long as two weeks,” Dr Patel mentioned.
He warned that they could really feel extra “intense”.
Dr Patel mentioned: ““It may be tough to inform coronavirus other than the flu as they share lots of the identical signs, nevertheless they might really feel extra intense than having a flu.”
He listed the commonest signs of flu as:
- A sudden fever (above 38C or 100.4F)
- Headache
- Chills
- Runny or stuffy nostril
- Tiredness
- Aching muscle groups
- Dry cough
- Sore throat.
The NHS lists Covid signs as:
- A excessive temperature or shivering (chills)
- A brand new, steady cough
- A loss or change to your sense of scent or style
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling drained or exhausted
- An aching physique
- A headache
- A sore throat
- A blocked or runny nostril
- Lack of urge for food
- Diarrhoea
- Feeling sick or being sick.
If you happen to expertise any of the next signs you must search fast medical assist, Dr Patel mentioned:
- Problem respiration at relaxation
- Confusion
- Lack of consciousness or drowsiness
- Fixed strain or ache within the chest
- Chilly, clammy, blue, or pale pores and skin
- Lack of speech or motion.
He added: “The one approach to make sure whether or not you will have the flu or coronavirus is to take a Covid take a look at.
“Whereas Covid checks are now not freely obtainable on the NHS, you’ll be able to nonetheless purchase lateral circulate, PCR and antibody checks on-line.”
Lateral circulate checks are additionally in the stores in some pharmacies.