A GP has revealed a straightforward symptom check to help determine whether you’re suffering from Covid or flu. While certain signs may be similar, there’s a key factor that can distinguish between the two conditions.

A general practitioner has shared a simple symptom assessment to help differentiate between Covid-19 and the flu. Despite some overlapping signs, there’s a crucial element that sets these conditions apart.

During the winter season, telling these illnesses apart can be tricky due to many similar symptoms. However, accurately identifying which one you have is essential for getting the right treatment.

Dr. Rupa Parmar, a GP and medical director at Midland Health, has provided several strategies to assist with this. “There are distinct differences between a common cold, Covid, and the flu that can make it easier to tell them apart,” she explained.

“If there’s still any doubt, it’s always best to check with your doctor. When it comes to health, erring on the side of caution is wise,” she advised.

One major way to tell these illnesses apart is by noting how quickly symptoms set in.

This is supported by NHS guidance, which confirms that flu symptoms “come on very quickly” and can include a “sudden high temperature”.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) also states: “Flu signs and symptoms develop very rapidly and extreme tiredness is common.”

Another distinguishing symptom of Covid, as opposed to the flu, is experiencing shortness of breath.

“Shortness of breath is rare in both a cold and the flu, but as Covid more so affects the lungs due to inflammation, it is a common symptom,” she explained.

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The NHS corroborates this, identifying breathlessness as a sign of Covid rather than flu or a cold. This symptom is more commonly linked with conditions such as Covid or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

However, it’s important to note that if an individual doesn’t recover from the flu and their condition deteriorates, they may start to experience breathing difficulties. This can occur if the person develops pneumonia, for example.

Dr Parmar also highlighted that the nature of the cough varies between these illnesses. She stated: “Coughs are common in all three viruses, but they have differences.

“With a cold, a cough will be mild, whilst a flu cough will seem dry. With Covid, a cough will be dry and continuous, and many people will cough for more than an hour or have three or more coughing episodes within a day.”

Another distinctive symptom is the loss of smell or taste. She noted: “A loss of taste or smell is a symptom somewhat unique to Covid.

“If you are experiencing either a change in taste or a complete loss, it is most likely that you have the coronavirus. Understanding which virus you have depends on the combination of symptoms and their severity.

“A mild cough and sore throat are unlikely to be more than a cold, a fever and severe fatigue suggest the flu, whilst a loss of smell or taste and continuous cough point to Covid.”

What should you do if Covid symptoms appear?

While self-isolation requirements are no longer mandatory, the NHS recommends that individuals should endeavour to remain at home and limit contact with others if they or their children display symptoms and either:

• Have a high temperature
• Feel too unwell to attend work, school, childcare, or carry out regular activities

The health service advises: “You can go back to your normal activities when you feel better or do not have a high temperature.”