The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed that respiratory viruses including flu and coronavirus are on the rise again, but with many winter illnesses feeling fairly similar, it can be hard to know which virus you are suffering from.
Throughout the winter months, immune systems naturally have to work harder due to a combination of factors including colder weather, a lack of Vitamin D, and more time spent indoors in close proximity with other people.
In the week leading up to September 30, UKHSA data revealed that cases of COVID were up 34.6 per cent (an increase of 477), deaths were up 47.4 per cent (an increase of nine) and hospital admissions were up 33.5 per cent (an increase of 293).
What is 'American Covid'?
Viruses survive by adapting and mutating, which is why there are different strains of coronavirus, which can also mutate into different variants. The most common virus at the moment is a variant of XFG, more recently dubbed 'American Covid'.
XFG was given its nickname after it became the most common variant in North America, and it has now reached the UK and led to an increase in hospital admissions.
As well as COVID cases being on the rise, the NHS has warned that we could see an early winter flu season. According to its first winter virus surveillance data of the year, flu activity throughout September has been higher than in the same period over the past four winters.
While levels remain at baseline, meaning still relatively low overall, the upward trend suggests an early flu season. The rise so far has been driven largely by cases among those aged between 18 and 24.
Symptoms of a cold
According to the NHS, symptoms of a cold come on gradually over two to three days and can include a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, a sore throat, a hoarse voice, a cough, and feeling tired and unwell.
You can also experience a high temperature, aching muscles, a loss of taste and smell, and a feeling of pressure in your ears and face.
Symptoms of flu and COVID
Symptoms of influenza, or flu, are similar to a cold but are usually more severe. One key difference is that symptoms come on "very quickly" with a flu compared to with a cold. Flu symptoms include a sudden high temperature, an aching body, feeling tired or exhausted, a dry cough, a sore throat, a headache, difficulty sleeping and loss of appetite.
According to the NHS, COVID-19 symptoms can include a high temperature, 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, and feeling sick or being sick.
For American Covid, or XFG, experts have stressed that a hoarse, croaky or scratchy throat is one of the more distinctive symptoms.
What to do if you have symptoms
The UKHSA advises that if you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as COVID-19 or flu, you should avoid contact with vulnerable people and stay at home if possible.
If this is not possible and you have to leave the house, the guidance from the UKHSA is to wear a well-fitting face covering made with multiple layers or a surgical face mask, avoid crowded places such as public transport, large social gatherings, or anywhere that is enclosed or poorly ventilated, take any exercise outdoors in places where you will not have close contact with other people, cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitiser after coughing, sneezing and blowing your nose and before you eat or handle food, and avoid touching your face.
The NHS and the UKHSA have urged those who are eligible to get their flu and COVID vaccinations as they remain the best way to prevent serious illness and hospitalisation from both viruses.
