It was reported on 29 September, that the onset of autumn coupled with children returning to school has brought on new waves of flu and Covid. And of course, people are beginning to spend more time indoors, which is also helping the illnesses to spread.
Unfortunately, if you do fall ill, it can also be quite tricky to work out exactly what you have caught. This is because many of the symptoms of common cold, flu and Covid, are very much the same.
However, there are a few differences that may help you to decide exactly which virus you have come down with.
Covid symptoms
“Typical Covid symptoms include a high temperature, a persistent new cough, and a loss or change to your sense of taste or smell. Those with Covid may also suffer from fatigue, breathlessness, a sore throat, a runny nose, vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea, headaches, body aches, and a loss of appetite”.
In most cases people suffering from Covid will recover within a few weeks. However, some people may find that it takes them take significantly longer. Sadly, for a few people the illness can end up being more serious, with symptoms continuing for an “extended period”.
Covid admissions to hospital went up from 0.81 per 100 000 people to 1.2 per 100 000 people in one week towards the end of September.
Flu symptoms
Meanwhile, cases of flu have also gone up recently, with the symptoms being described as follows:
” Flu symptoms tend to appear very suddenly and can include a sudden high temperature, a dry cough, headaches, body aches, a sore throat, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and loss of appetite. Symptoms are largely similar in children, though they may also suffer from earache, sore eyes, swollen glands and low energy levels.”
Common cold
Common colds can be similar to both Covid and especially flu, but they do not last as long as a rule. Symptoms are said to develop gradually over a couple of days, with the most common being a “runny nose, sore throat, cough, sneezing, and general fatigue and tiredness”. They usually clear up after one or two weeks on their own accord.
Eligibility for NHS flu vaccine
According to the NHS, you are eligible for the flu vaccine, if you meet the following conditions:
over 65 years old (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2027)
- are between 18 and 64 years old and have long-term health conditions
- are pregnant
- live in a care home
- are the main carer for a disabled or older person or receive a carer’s allowance
- live with someone who has a weakened immune system
- are homeless in a night shelter or homeless hostel
- are a frontline health worker or social care worker through your employer
What happens when the media itself becomes part of the problem? Who holds it to account? 14 years after the Leveson Inquiry reported its findings, has anything really changed? And how can we build something better?
Join Bylines Network on Wednesday 21 October, for a vital conversation about the media Britain needs — and what it will take to get there.
The event will conclude with a live audience Q&A.
