The differences between COVID-19 and flu symptoms
Cases of COVID-19 are rising in England, as a new variant is spreading quickly. The NHS is offering autumn COVID boosters for the most vulnerable groups.
Last month, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said COVID hospitalisations have surged at an "alarming" rate due to the spread of the new variant, called XEC.
The UKHSA said it is normal for viruses to mutate and change, and has encouraged those who are eligible for the booster to get it.
As the temperature dips and we spend more time indoors, both COVID and the flu will spread more easily. Here's how to tell the difference between the two:
Differences between flu and COVID-19 symptoms
Signs for both COVID-19 and the flu are very similar, and can be hard to distinguish between, so here's a look at how each virus might present in you.
What is flu and what are the symptoms?
The flu is a contagious respiratory disease caused by influenza viruses. Similarly to COVID-19, it is spread by droplets from an infected person coughing, sneezing or talking.
Flu symptoms, according to the NHS include:
a sudden high temperature
an aching body
feeling tired or exhausted
a dry cough
a sore throat
a headache
difficulty sleeping
loss of appetite
diarrhoea or tummy pain
feeling sick and being sick
While flu will often get better on its own, some can get seriously ill, which is why it's important to protect yourself with the NHS vaccine if you're advised to.
Symptoms present similarly in children, though they can get pain in their ear and seem less active too.
What is COVID-19 and what are the symptoms?
COVID-19 is also a contagious respiratory illness, but is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, a form of coronavirus.
As per the NHS, symptoms include:
a high temperature or shivering (chills)
a new, continuous cough
a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
shortness of breath
feeling tired or exhausted
an aching body
a headache
a sore throat
a blocked or runny nose
loss of appetite
diarrhoea
feeling sick or being sick
These are thought to be similar between adults and children.
Since the start of the pandemic, the most common COVID symptoms have changed for a few reasons, including the introduction of vaccines and the emergence of new variants.
According to the most recent data from the ZOE Health Study, from the 30 days before December 5th, 2022, the top symptoms reported by contributors with positive COVID tests are:
A sore throat
A runny nose
A blocked nose
Sneezing
A cough without phlegm
A headache
A cough with phlegm
A hoarse voice
Muscle aches and pains
An altered sense of smell
What to do if you have flu or COVID-19
If you have flu, rest and sleep, keep warm, take recommended doses of paracetamol or ibuprofen and drink plenty of fluids.
Ask for an urgent GP appointment or call NHS 111 if any of the following apply:
you or your child have symptoms of flu and you're worried about your baby's or child's symptoms
you're 65 or over, you're pregnant, you have a long-term medical condition
you have a weakened immune system
your symptoms don't improve after seven days.
If you have COVID-19 symptoms, call NHS 111 if:
you're feeling worried or unsure what to do
you're worried about a baby or child under five
For either, try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to do your normal activities (taking extra care to avoid those at high risk).
Call 999 or go to A&E if:
you get sudden chest pain
you have difficulty breathing
you start coughing up a lot of blood
your child seems very unwell, is getting worse or you think there's something seriously wrong
Read more about health and wellness:
Five immunity-boosting foods to keep colds and flu at bay (Yahoo Life UK, 3-min read)
UKHSA issues new health advice to parents amid norovirus and flu increase (The Telegraph & Argus, 3-min read)
Doctor says one ingredient can make colds and flu go away quicker – but there's a catch (GloucestershireLive, 3-min read)
