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People should stay informed about the types of illnesses spreading this winter and learn how to distinguish between them. Differentiating between common winter ailments can be challenging since many viruses and bugs exhibit similar symptoms.
During winter, diseases often proliferate as people spend more time indoors, fostering an environment conducive to common health issues. Despite the variety of illnesses, accurately identifying the specific ailment can be a matter of guesswork at times.
Nevertheless, typical conditions like colds, flu, and RSV have distinct indicators that can help determine which virus is affecting you. Although the differences may be subtle, accurately identifying the issue can sometimes facilitate a faster recovery by addressing the cause directly.
According to information released by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) in anticipation of the winter season, certain diseases tend to spread rapidly from one household to another. While these viruses are present year-round, their prevalence typically spikes during the colder months as multiple strains circulate simultaneously.
Below are the differences between covid, the flu, the common cold and the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), including the known symptoms of each.
Flu
Flu, mainly affecting the nose, throat, and lungs, becomes prominent during the winter season and is notably more severe than a common cold. Its symptoms can manifest quickly, including:
- a sudden high temperature
- 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
Covid-19
For many people, COVID-19 is not as severe now as it was during the initial phase of the pandemic. Nonetheless, the virus still leads to significant illness, hospitalizations, and fatalities, particularly among individuals with compromised immune systems and those aged 75 and above.
Many people experience cold-like symptoms, and some will also experience fever or chills, continuous cough, shortness of breath, tiredness, body aches, headache, sore throat, blocked nose, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhoea, or a change in sense of taste or smell associated with the latest variants. Some people report a hoarse voice or a particularly painful sore throat associated with the latest variants.
As of October 2025, the predominant covid-19 strains in circulation are the Omicron subvariants XFG, known as “Stratus,” and NB.1.8.1, referred to as “Nimbus.” The UK authorities and the World Health Organization (WHO) have been keeping a close watch on these variants.
Stratus is associated with a hoarse voice, though some experts question whether this is a reliable distinguishing symptom from other respiratory viruses. Nimbus is associated with a particularly severe or “razor blade” sore throat.
RSV
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major respiratory virus that is common over the winter period, typically November to February, and can spread through coughs and sneezes. Almost all children get them at least once before they’re 2 years old.
They’re not usually serious, but some babies and adults are at a higher risk of getting seriously ill. Most people only get cold-like symptoms, but if they lead to more serious infections, like pneumonia or bronchiolitis, they can cause shortness of breath and a worsening cough.
Rhinovirus
Best known as the common cold, symptoms come on gradually over two to three days. The main symptoms include a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, a sore throat, a hoarse voice, a cough, and feeling tired and unwell.
You may also have a high temperature, aching muscles, a loss of taste and smell, and a feeling of pressure in your ears and face. Cough and cold medicines are available from pharmacies or supermarkets.
