How to Tell the Difference Between a Cold, COVID and the Flu

Have I got COVID?

To find out if you have got COVID-19 you can do a lateral flow test. However, these are no longer being provided to the general public for free so you may have to buy one if you have not already got some. 

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What are the symptoms of COVID?

- A high temperature or shivering
- A new, continuous cough
- A loss or changing to your sense of smell or taste
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling tired and exhausted
- An aching body
- A headache
- A sore throat
- A blocked or runny nose
- Diarrhoea
- Feeling sick or being sick

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Is a change or loss of taste still a symptom of COVID?

One of the most commonly reported symptoms of COVID-19 was a change, or loss, of taste and smell. There have been some theories that this is not in fact linked to COVID and that it can no longer be classed as a symptom. This is not the case and is in fact one of the more telltale symptoms of coronavirus.

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Can I leave home if I have COVID?

As the cases of COVID-19 began to decrease and vaccines became available, the need to stay at home diminished. Currently, there are absolutely no restrictions imposed on the people of the United Kingdom, and you do not need to stay at home, even if you do test positive. 

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How do I know when to stay home?

It is currently down to the individual as to whether or not they stay home when they test positive for COVID-19. Do not worry about working as chances are you will be able to continue working from home if you choose to isolate, and if your job allows of course.

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Who is at high risk of COVID?

The people who are most at risk of suffering badly from COVID are people who are older, overweight, pregnant and people who suffer from pre-existing health conditions, especially those with conditions that affect the respiratory system.

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What can I do if i'm worried about my COVID symptoms?

If you test positive for COVID-19 and your symptoms are bad, contact your doctor immediately. People that have received their COVID vaccines are less likely to experience more severe symptoms.

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Have I got a cold?

On average, an adult in the UK will experience a cold at least two or three times a year. A cold can be mild, with some minor symptoms, or it can be more aggressive. There are billions of variants of the common cold.

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What are the symptoms of a cold?

The main symptoms of a cold include:

- A runny nose
- A persistent cough
- Congestion in the nose and around the eyes
- A sore throat
- A headache/ear ache

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How to treat a cold

Cough medicines and medicines for runny noses are ideal for treating symptoms of colds. Other than that, time is your best friend when it comes to recovering from a cold.

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Have I got the flu?

The flu is perhaps the condition that can be most commonly associated with COVID-19. Both COVID-19 and the flu are respiratory diseases that can be transmitted from person to person, however, they are different.

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What are the symptoms of the flu?

The main symptoms according to the NHS are:

- A sudden high temperature of 38°C or above
- An aching body
- Feeling tired or exhausted
- A dry cough
- A sore throat
- A headache
- Difficulty sleeping
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhoea or tummy pain
- Feeling sick and being sick

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How to treat the flu

The best way to treat the flu is to get plenty of rest and sleep whilst remaining as warm as you can. During this time you can take paracetamol or ibuprofen in order to regulate your symptoms and temperature. You should also make sure to drink plenty of water in order to avoid dehydration. If you become dehydrated, your symptoms can worsen.

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How to check if you have a fever/high temperature

You can check the temperature of yourself or another person by using a thermometer, or by pressing the back of the hand to the forehead. If the forehead is hot, chances are the person is suffering from a high temperature. You can however use digital thermometers for quick accuracy readings. A fever, or high temperature, is considered to be anything over 38°C.

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