How to tell if you are displaying coronavirus, flu or cold symptoms

As winter approaches, the UK is entering the time of the year when colds and flu are spread widely.

But this year, Britons also face the additional danger of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, with the symptoms of the virus broadly similar to those experienced by people who have caught the flu or a cold.

The similarities mean people may find it hard to judge which, if any, of the three illnesses they have if they begin to feel unwell in the coming months.

So, here's a guide to the different symptoms typically associated with each:

Coronavirus

People with coronavirus can experience a wide range of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe.

The most common symptoms are a fever – classified as a temperature of 37.8C (100F) or above – a new, continuous and typically dry cough as well as a loss of taste and, or, smell.

Those infected with Covid-19 may also suffer from aches and pains, a sore throat, headaches, shortness of breath and fatigue.

Symptoms usually present about five days after exposure to coronavirus but may not appear for up to two weeks in some cases.

However, some people will experience no symptoms at all - these are known as asymptomatic cases. People in this category can still transmit the virus.

Anyone with symptoms of coronavirus should get a test, and those who display symptoms or test positive must subsequently self-isolate for a period of 10 days.

Under the Government's rules, people undertaking self-isolation cannot leave their house - even to buy food or other essentials, or to exercise.

Members of their household or people who have been contacted by the NHS Test and Trace service must meanwhile quarantine for 14 days.

Flu

Flu typically presents with a fever, fatigue, dry cough, aches and pains and headaches.

Symptoms can also include a runny or stuffed nose and, or, a sore throat. Children who contract the flu can also sometimes suffer with diarrhoea as a result.

Flu usually comes on suddenly and feels worse than a heavy cold.

In July, the Government announced it was aiming to double its winter flu vaccination programme in England to 30 million people, including free jabs for anyone aged 50 and over.

The campaign comes after a study showed that during the first peak of the coronavirus pandemic, people who were infected with both the new coronavirus and flu had a significantly higher risk of death.

Public Health England analysis of almost 20,000 people who were tested for both Covid-19 and flu between January 20 and April 25 revealed the risk of death was nearly six times greater among those co-infected compared to the general population.

The risk of death was also higher compared to being infected with Covid-19 alone, the PHE study concluded.

Colds

The most common symptoms of a cold are sneezing, aches and pains, a runny or stuffy nose and a sore throat.

A mild cough may be experienced as may a degree of fatigue, but it is rare for those with a cold to suffer from fever, chills, muscle aches or headaches. Colds also do not cause diarrhoea.

Compared to the flu, colds tend to develop more gradually and are less severe.

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