As winter tightens its grip, distinguishing between a common cold, flu, and Covid-19 has become a daily challenge for many. The similarity in symptoms often leads to confusion, but a UK-based General Practitioner has pinpointed a crucial sign that strongly suggests a coronavirus infection.
The Telltale Sign of Covid-19
According to Dr Rupa Parmar, a GP and Medical Director at Midland Health, the key symptom to watch for is shortness of breath. She clarifies that while this is rare in both colds and flu, it is a common feature of Covid-19. "Shortness of breath is rare in both a cold and the flu, but as Covid more so affects the lungs due to inflammation, it is a common symptom," Dr Parmar stated.
This guidance is supported by the NHS, which also lists breathlessness as an indicator of Covid-19 rather than its seasonal counterparts. It is a symptom more typically associated with conditions like Covid or Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). However, it is worth noting that respiratory issues can develop from flu if a secondary infection like pneumonia occurs.
Other Key Symptoms to Monitor
Dr Parmar also highlighted differences in the type of cough experienced. "Coughs are common in all three viruses, but they have differences," she explained. A cold typically brings a mild cough, flu presents with a dry cough, but a Covid cough is both dry and continuous. This means individuals may cough for more than an hour or experience three or more significant coughing episodes in a single day.
Another symptom that remains a strong indicator is the loss of smell or taste. Dr Parmar described this as "somewhat unique to Covid." If you experience a complete loss or a significant change in these senses, it is highly likely you have contracted the coronavirus.
Understanding the combination and severity of symptoms is crucial. A mild cough and sore throat are more indicative of a cold, while a fever with severe fatigue suggests flu. The presence of a continuous cough alongside a loss of smell or taste points squarely to Covid-19.
Symptom Onset and Progression
The way symptoms appear can also offer clues. Dr Parmar noted that cold symptoms develop gradually, flu symptoms hit suddenly within a few hours, and Covid symptoms often start mildly but can progress in severity. Furthermore, a cold mostly affects the nose and throat, whereas symptoms from flu and Covid can feel more systemic, affecting the entire body.
What to Do If You Have Symptoms
While mandatory self-isolation rules are no longer in place, the NHS offers clear advice for those feeling unwell. If you or your children have symptoms of a respiratory illness and either have a high temperature or feel too unwell to go to work, school, or carry out normal activities, you should try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people.
The health service advises that you can return to your normal routine when you start to feel better or no longer have a high temperature. Taking these precautions helps protect others, especially the more vulnerable, during the winter months.
