Symptoms and differences between covid, flu and RSV amid UK 'tripledemic' threat

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-Credit: (Image: Getty)


With the arrival of colder temperatures, concerns are growing that a 'tripledemic' may be approaching. Health experts are urging Brits to expect a potential surge in cases of covid, flu, and RSV.

It is important to get vaccinated and know the differences between each illness and its symptoms. Recent data from UKHSA revealed that during the last two winters, there have been at least 18,000 flu-related deaths and more than 19,500 deaths linked to COVID-19 across the country.

Flu season typically reaches its highest point in December and January. Beginning adult vaccinations in October helps safeguard those most vulnerable during the chilly months when people tend to congregate indoors, increasing the spread of viruses.

Over 2.8 million individuals are eligible for the covid vaccine and 4.2 million for the flu shot. The NHS says it is working to safeguard against a potential 'tripledemic' of viruses this winter.

Millions of people can book their flu and covid vaccines now. Officials hope getting vaccinated will ease pressure on the NHS ahead of the colder months.

Dr Linda Charles-Ozuzu, Regional Director of Commissioning for NHS England, said: "The winter vaccination programme offers vital protection to people who need it most. It saves lives, but also it helps the NHS by reducing hospital admissions and easing pressure on services that are already incredibly busy.

"People with certain long term health conditions, pregnant women, young infants and older people are among those eligible for some or all of these life saving vaccines. If invited, please don’t delay – get the vaccines. And if you’re unsure if you’re eligible or have any concerns please speak with your GP surgery or local pharmacist."

Influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and covid-19 share similar symptoms. These can include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.

Due to these overlapping symptoms, it can be challenging to tell these respiratory viral infections apart. To help identify a possible case, healthcare providers might conduct a diagnostic test.

What causes the flu and its symptoms:

The flu is caused by influenza viruses, which are spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Flu usually improves without treatment, but it can lead to serious illness in some individuals.

Flu symptoms come on very quickly and can 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

The symptoms are similar for children, but they can also get ear pain and appear less active. If you have flu, there are some things you can do to help get better more quickly, including rest and sleep, keeping warm and taking paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower your temperature and ease aches and pains. Also drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

What causes the RSV and its symptoms:

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is caused by a virus that spreads through contact with an infected person's respiratory droplets or contaminated surfaces. The virus enters the body through the eyes, nose or mouth and can be passes to others through direct contact, such as shaking hands.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a frequent culprit behind coughs and colds. While most RSV infections tend to resolve on their own, they can occasionally pose serious risks for infants and elderly individuals.

Most people only get cold-like symptoms, such as:

  • a runny or blocked nose

  • a cough

  • sneezing

  • tiredness

  • a high temperature – signs include your back or chest feeling hotter than usual, sweatiness and shivering (chills)

Babies with RSV may also be irritable and feed less than usual. If RSV leads to a more serious infection (such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis) it may also cause:

  • a cough that gets worse

  • shortness of breath

  • faster breathing or long gaps between breaths

  • difficulty feeding (in babies) or loss of appetite

  • noisy breathing (wheezing)

  • confusion (in older adults)

There is no specific treatment for an RSV infection. It often gets better on its own in one to two weeks, and you can usually care for yourself or your child at home. Drinking plenty of fluids, using saline nose drops and taking painkillers can help erase symptoms.

What causes the covid and its symptoms:

Covid-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2). The virus spreads through tiny respiratory droplets that are released into the air when someone who is infected coughs, sneezes, talks, sings, or even breathes close to you.

Covid-19 symptoms can include:

  • a high temperature or shivering (chills) – a high temperature means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)

  • a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours

  • 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

The symptoms are very similar to symptoms of other illnesses, such as colds and flu. Most people feel better within a few weeks, but it can take longer to recover. For some people, it can be a more serious illness, and their symptoms can last longer.

Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you or your child have symptoms and either: have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to go to work, school, childcare, or do your normal activities. You can go back to your normal activities when you feel better or do not have a high temperature.

Who is eligible for free jabs?

Bottles of vaccine for Influenza Virus, Respiratory Syncytial virus and Covid-19 for vaccination
If you're eligible for an NHS flu vaccine, you can book an appointment at a pharmacy online or via the NHS App -Credit:Getty

The NHS says: "Flu vaccines are safe and effective. They're offered on the NHS every year in autumn or early winter to help protect people at risk of flu and its complications."

Individuals who are 65 years and older, residents of long-term care facilities, and those in clinical risk categories can receive free covid and flu vaccines. This also includes frontline social care workers and caregivers for the elderly or disabled.

Expectant mothers can receive the flu vaccine as well. Additionally, children aged six months to 18 in clinical risk categories are encouraged to be vaccinated.

Anyone who qualifies can schedule an appointment through the NHS website, NHS App or by calling 119 at no cost. You can also arrange a flu vaccine by looking up a nearby pharmacy, and there are walk-in locations available to receive the covid vaccine.