‘I’m a GP – right here’s easy methods to inform in the event you’ve been struck down by Covid or the flu’
Flu and colds are widespread occurrences within the autumn and winter months as we grow to be extra weak to diseases.
However, because the begin of the pandemic, Covid has additionally entered the combination.
Again, we’re extra prone to an infection through the winter, as we spend extra time indoors in addition to the truth that the virus is ready to survive longer in chilly, dry circumstances.
It may be troublesome to inform the diseases aside, although, with most of the signs interchangeable.
GP for LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, Doctor Neel Patel, spoke with Express.co.uk about easy methods to inform the distinction between Covid and flu.
“With winter climate beginning to settle in, we must always anticipate to see an increase in circumstances of colds, flus, and the coronavirus,” he mentioned.
“With each of these circulating at higher rates, it’s important to know the difference between a cold and flu, or coronavirus and flu.
“Knowing which illness you might have means you can best treat yourself and protect others.”
He warned that Covid may be extra “severe” in addition to extra contagious.
Dr Patel mentioned: “While many symptoms may be similar between the flu and coronavirus, generally, the coronavirus can cause more severe illness than the flu and is more contagious.”
He continued: “People with flu normally feel very unwell for two or three days and will continue to experience symptoms for around another five days.
“After that, you may feel tired and run down for a further two or three weeks.”
In comparability, signs of Covid would possibly seem stronger for longer.
“People with coronavirus usually begin to show symptoms five to six days after being exposed and symptoms commonly last up to two weeks,” Dr Patel mentioned.
He warned that they could really feel extra “intense”.
Dr Patel mentioned: ““It may be troublesome to inform coronavirus apart from the flu as they share many of the same symptoms, however they may feel more intense than having a flu.”
He listed the most common symptoms of flu as:
- A sudden fever (above 38C or 100.4F)
- Headache
- Chills
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Tiredness
- Aching muscles
- Dry cough
- Sore throat.
- A excessive temperature or shivering (chills)
- A brand new, steady cough
- A loss or change to your sense of odor or style
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling drained or exhausted
- An aching physique
- A headache
- A sore throat
- A blocked or runny nostril
- Loss of urge for food
- Diarrhoea
- Feeling sick or being sick.
If you expertise any of the next signs you must search rapid medical assist, Dr Patel mentioned:
- Difficulty respiratory at relaxation
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness or drowsiness
- Constant strain or ache within the chest
- Cold, clammy, blue, or pale pores and skin
- Loss of speech or motion.
He added: “The only way to be certain whether you have the flu or coronavirus is to take a Covid test.
“While Covid tests are no longer freely available on the NHS, you can still buy lateral flow, PCR and antibody tests online.”
Lateral circulate exams are additionally in the stores in some pharmacies.