As winter approaches, viral infections including the common cold, flu and Covid are expected to circulate at higher levels, increasing the risk of falling ill. The XFG variant of Covid, dubbed "American Covid," has been spreading across the UK, with the UK Health Security Agency reporting 4,589 cases in September 2026.
With these illnesses sharing similar symptoms, it can be difficult to distinguish between them and know what precautions to take. While vaccines are available to protect vulnerable groups from flu and Covid, staying at home while infected is recommended to help stop the spread.
Cold: Gradual Onset and Home Treatment
Colds are caused by viruses and spread easily. According to the NHS, symptoms generally develop over two to three days, with patients starting to feel better in around one to two weeks. Main symptoms include a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, a sore throat, a hoarse voice, a cough, and feeling tired and unwell.
Other symptoms may include high temperatures, aching muscles, loss of taste and smell, or a feeling of pressure in the ears and face. A cold can usually be treated at home without seeing a GP, with the NHS advising rest, fluids, healthy food, and hot lemon and honey for a sore throat. Pharmacists can recommend nasal sprays, paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease symptoms.
People remain infectious until all symptoms are gone, with germs living on surfaces and hands for 24 hours. Regular hand washing and using tissues can reduce the risk of spreading.
Flu: Rapid Onset and Serious Risks
Unlike a cold, flu symptoms come on very quickly and can lead to serious illness. The illness is most likely to spread within the first five days. 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.
Doctors advise rest, sleep and plenty of water, as well as treating aches with paracetamol or ibuprofen. Antibiotics do not work on viral infections such as flu. It is advised to stay at home if you have a high temperature, feel hot, cold or shivery, or do not feel well enough for normal activities. Getting the flu vaccine is also recommended to protect vulnerable people.
Covid: Distinct Signs and Isolation Advice
Covid symptoms have changed over time, with many people reporting a mixture of cold and flu symptoms. However, some patients have also experienced diarrhoea and nausea, as well as a change in sense of taste or smell. A new continuous cough is a standout sign, defined by the NHS as coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours.
If you or your child has symptoms along with a high temperature, it is advised to stay at home and avoid contact with others. If you think you have Covid, avoid contact with other people for at least five days. For anyone under 18, the advice is to stay away from others for three days.
Rapid lateral flow tests are free only for those over 12 and at the highest risk of serious illness; others must buy tests independently. If you test positive, you should avoid meeting people with weakened immune systems for 10 days from the day you took the test.
