A doctor shared some of the key differences between Covid and flu (Image: Getty)
A GP has revealed a straightforward symptom check to help determine whether you’re suffering from Covid or flu. While certain signs may be similar, there’s a key factor that can distinguish between the two conditions.
Throughout the winter months, distinguishing between these illnesses can be challenging because many symptoms overlap. However, correctly identifying the condition is crucial for ensuring proper treatment.
Dr Rupa Parmar, a GP and medical director at Midland Health, has outlined several methods to help. « There are some key differences between a common cold, Covid and flu that can easily help you differentiate them, » she explained.
« But, if you’re still unsure, always consult your doctor. After all, it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to health. »
One of the primary ways to distinguish these illnesses is by observing how rapidly symptoms develop.
According to Dr Parmar, flu can appear “suddenly” while the symptoms of Covid can be more gradual. She said: « Symptoms of a cold will appear gradually, whereas flu symptoms come on suddenly, within a few hours, and Covid symptoms may start as mild and progress in severity.”
According to Dr Parmar, flu symptoms can appear suddenly (Image: Getty)
This is supported by NHS guidance, which confirms that flu symptoms « come on very quickly » and can include a « sudden high temperature ».
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) also states: « Flu signs and symptoms develop very rapidly and extreme tiredness is common. »
Another distinguishing symptom of Covid, as opposed to the flu, is experiencing shortness of breath.
« Shortness of breath is rare in both a cold and the flu, but as Covid more so affects the lungs due to inflammation, it is a common symptom, » she explained.
The NHS corroborates this, identifying breathlessness as a sign of Covid rather than flu or a cold. This symptom is more commonly linked with conditions such as Covid or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
However, it’s important to note that if an individual doesn’t recover from the flu and their condition deteriorates, they may start to experience breathing difficulties. This can occur if the person develops pneumonia, for example.
Dr Parmar also highlighted that the nature of the cough varies between these illnesses. She stated: « Coughs are common in all three viruses, but they have differences.
« With a cold, a cough will be mild, whilst a flu cough will seem dry. 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. »
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Another distinctive symptom is the loss of smell or taste. She noted: « A loss of taste or smell is a symptom somewhat unique to Covid.
« If you are experiencing either a change in taste or a complete loss, it is most likely that you have the coronavirus. Understanding which virus you have depends on the combination of symptoms and their severity.
« A mild cough and sore throat are unlikely to be more than a cold, a fever and severe fatigue suggest the flu, whilst a loss of smell or taste and continuous cough point to Covid. »
What should you do if Covid symptoms appear?
While self-isolation requirements are no longer mandatory, the NHS recommends that individuals should endeavour to remain at home and limit contact with others if they or their children display symptoms and either:
- Have a high temperature
- Feel too unwell to attend work, school, childcare, or carry out regular activities
The health service advises: « You can go back to your normal activities when you feel better or do not have a high temperature. »
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