It’s flu season now and everyone knows someone who’s gotten sick in the last few weeks.
Flu and pneumonia have killed more people than Covid-19 since early autumn, official statistics show.
Data from the Office for National Statistics show that influenza and pneumonia were more deadly than coronavirus, with 5,262 deaths in England and Wales between early September and early December, compared to 3,899 from Covid.
And last week, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warned that the flu is now hospitalizing more people than the coronavirus, another warning of the dangers of the disease.
But how do you tell the difference between the flu, the common cold, or Covid 19?
Here’s everything you need to know.
What are the flu symptoms?
The NHS says flu symptoms can come on very quickly and may include:
- sudden high temperature
- aching body
- feeling tired or exhausted
- dry cough
- Sore throat
- Headache
- sleep disorders
- loss of appetite
- diarrhea or abdominal pain
- feel sick and sick
Symptoms in children are similar, but they may also experience ear pain and seem less active.
What is the difference between the flu and a cold or Covid?
Flu symptoms come on very quickly, while cold symptoms usually come on gradually. This is one of the key telltale signs.
According to the NHS, symptoms of a cold include:
- stuffy or runny nose
- Sore throat
- Headache
- muscle tension
- cough
- sneeze
- fever
- Pressure in ears and face
- loss of taste and smell
The symptoms are the same in adults and children. Sometimes symptoms last longer in children.
Symptoms of coronavirus (Covid-19) in adults may include:
- high fever or chills (chills) – a high fever means you feel hot when you touch your chest or back (you don’t need to take your temperature)
- new persistent cough – this means a severe cough for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing fits within 24 hours
- loss or change in smell or taste
- dyspnea
- feeling tired or exhausted
- aching body
- Headache
- Sore throat
- stuffy or runny nose
- loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- feel sick or be sick
How can I treat the flu?
GGD says:
- rest and sleep
- stay warm
- Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever and pain.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated (your urine should be pale yellow or clear).
How to treat a cold?
GGD says:
- rest and sleep
- Drink plenty of water (fruit juice or pumpkin juice mixed with water is fine) to stay hydrated.
- Gargle with salt water if you have a sore throat (not suitable for children)
If you have a fever or are not feeling well, in order to go about your normal activities, try to stay at home and avoid socializing until you feel better.
What should I do if I have Covid?
The NHS says you should try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have Covid-19 symptoms and:
- you have a high temperature
- You don’t feel well enough to go to work or do your usual activities
Avoid close contact with someone who is at higher risk.
The recommendation reads: “You can resume your normal activities when you feel better or no longer have a high fever.”
Source: I News
I’m Raymond Molina, a professional writer and journalist with over 5 years of experience in the media industry. I currently work for 24 News Reporters, where I write for the health section of their news website. In my role, I am responsible for researching and writing stories on current health trends and issues. My articles are often seen as thought-provoking pieces that provide valuable insight into the state of society’s wellbeing.