Learn how to inform if it’s Covid or the flu – GP’s recommendation

Flu and colds are widespread occurrences within the autumn and winter months as we change into extra weak to diseases.

Nevertheless, for the reason that begin of the pandemic, Covid has additionally entered the combination.

Once more, we’re extra prone to an infection in the course of the winter, as we spend extra time indoors in addition to the truth that the virus is ready to survive longer in chilly, dry circumstances.

It may be troublesome 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 how you can inform the distinction between Covid and flu.

“With winter climate beginning to settle in, we must always count on to see an increase in circumstances of colds, flus, and the coronavirus,” he mentioned.

“With every of those circulating at greater charges, it’s vital to know the distinction between a chilly and flu, or coronavirus and flu.

“Figuring out which sickness you may need means you may finest deal with your self and shield others.”

He warned that Covid may be extra “extreme” in addition to extra contagious.

Dr Patel mentioned: “Whereas many signs could also be comparable between the flu and coronavirus, usually, 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 could really feel drained and run down for an extra two or three weeks.”

Compared, signs of Covid may seem stronger for longer.

“Folks with coronavirus often start to indicate 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 troublesome to inform coronavirus aside from the flu as they share lots of the identical signs, nonetheless they might really feel extra intense than having a flu.”

He listed the most typical signs of flu as:

• A sudden fever (above 38C or 100.4F)
• Headache
• Chills
• Runny or stuffy nostril
• Tiredness
• Aching muscle tissue
• 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 odor 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.

In the event you expertise any of the next signs you must search speedy medical assist, Dr Patel mentioned:

• Issue respiration at relaxation
• Confusion
• Lack of consciousness or drowsiness
• Fixed stress or ache within the chest
• Chilly, clammy, blue, or pale pores and skin
• Lack of speech or motion.

He added: “The one manner to make sure whether or not you might have the flu or coronavirus is to take a Covid take a look at.

“Whereas Covid exams are now not freely accessible on the NHS, you may nonetheless purchase lateral circulation, PCR and antibody exams on-line.”

Lateral circulation exams are additionally that can be purchased in some pharmacies.