GP shares ‘key distinction’ between summer time flu and Covid to look out for

GP Dr Johannes Uys – primarily based at Broadgate General Practice – stated noting particular signs can distinguish between Covid and flu.

Symptoms of Covid can embody fever, cough, shortness of breath, lack of style or scent, fatigue and physique aches.

Summer flu can even trigger fever, cough, fatigue and physique aches, Dr Uys identified.

He advised Express.co.uk: “The key difference between flu and Covid symptoms is a loss of taste or smell, which is more common in Covid cases.”

Dr Uys added: “Flu symptoms often come on suddenly, whereas Covid symptoms can develop gradually.”

The length of sickness may additionally differ, stated Dr Uys, with Covid signs sometimes lasting for a fortnight.

“Summer flu symptoms usually last for about a week,” Dr Uys added for comparability.

In phrases of the dominating pressure of Covid at current, generally known as Eris, analysis is ongoing to find out if the signs are just like that of earlier strains.

“Generally, symptoms of COVID-19 variants are similar to the original virus,” stated Dr Uys.

Whatever an infection you will have, whether or not it’s Covid or flu, there’s a similarity in the best way to get better.

Rest and hydration are two parts that may assist while you’re feeling below the climate.

Additional measures embody over-the-counter medicines and a nutritious diet to assist handle the an infection.

Yet, it is advisable to watch signs in case they repeatedly worsen or persist for a very long time, which might require medical recommendation.

When you’re in poor health with Covid or the flu, you’ll be able to unfold the an infection to others who’re close by.

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says “most experts think that flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk”.

Covid spreads “when an infected person breathes out droplets and very small particles that contain the virus”.

To assist defend others from sickness, it is advisable to remain at dwelling when recovering from the flu or Covid.