As winter illnesses circulate, distinguishing between a common cold, Covid-19 and influenza has become increasingly challenging for many Britons. All three conditions share similar symptoms, making self-diagnosis difficult during the colder months.
The tell-tale sign of Covid-19
According to Dr Rupa Parmar, a GP and medical director at Midland Health, shortness of breath stands out as a crucial indicator of Covid-19. This symptom rarely appears in either colds or flu but is common in coronavirus cases due to lung inflammation.
The NHS supports this distinction, listing breathlessness as a key Covid-19 symptom rather than a feature of flu or colds. This symptom is also associated with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which commonly circulates during winter.
Understanding different cough types
Dr Parmar explained that while coughing occurs with all three viruses, the nature of the cough differs significantly. Cold-related coughs tend to be mild, while flu coughs appear dry.
"With Covid, a cough will be dry and continuous," she clarified. "Many people will cough for more than an hour or experience three or more coughing episodes within a single day."
Unique symptoms and progression patterns
Another symptom that helps identify Covid-19 is the loss of smell or taste. Dr Parmar noted this is "somewhat unique to Covid" and advised that experiencing either a change in taste or complete loss likely indicates coronavirus infection.
The doctor also highlighted how symptom progression varies between illnesses. Cold symptoms typically appear gradually, while flu symptoms strike suddenly within hours. Covid-19 symptoms may begin mildly but progress in severity over time.
Understanding which virus you've contracted depends on symptom combinations and their intensity. Dr Parmar suggested: "A mild cough and sore throat are unlikely to be more than a cold, a fever and severe fatigue suggest the flu, while a loss of smell or taste and continuous cough point to Covid."
She also noted that colds mostly affect the throat and nose, whereas flu and Covid symptoms may be felt throughout the entire body.
When to seek medical advice
For those still uncertain about their symptoms, Dr Parmar urged consulting a GP, emphasising that "it's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to health."
Although self-isolation regulations for Covid-19 have ended, the NHS still advises infected individuals to stay home and minimise contact with others. The health service recommends resuming normal activities only "when you feel better or do not have a high temperature."
