What is Different between Cold,Flu or Covid-19?
Each of these illnesses are caused by different viruses, but unfortunately, they can have similar symptoms. In particular, as we have learned more about different symptoms and different strains of Covid-19 have arisen, it’s become harder to tell the difference between Covid-19, colds and flu.
- Covid-19 is a respiratory illness caused by the strain of coronavirus that first emerged in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. This strain of coronavirus hadn’t been seen in humans before – it emerged in December 2019 in Wuhan, China.
- Influenza (flu) is also a respiratory illness that affects your lungs, but flu is caused by a different kind of virus, instead of a coronavirus. Flu can be dangerous, which is why those with underlying medical conditions like heart disease or diabetes are offered a flu jab at this time of year.
- Colds are caused by many different viruses, but most commonly a rhinovirus or a coronavirus. A cold only affects your upper respiratory tract (your nose and throat), not your lungs. Because of this a cold is often referred to as a “head cold”. Colds usually aren’t serious.
Coronavirus symptoms vs cold
Some of the “classic” symptoms of coronavirus are less common for a cold – like a high temperature, or a loss of sense of taste or smell.
However, there is evidence that the Delta variant (the most dominant strain in the UK) has symptoms that are more similar to a cold, especially for those who have been fully vaccinated. Symptoms such as a headache, a sore throat or a runny nose can be symptoms of the Delta variant, or a cold.
- If you experience any of these symptoms you should self-isolate and get a PCR test.
Coronavirus symptoms vs flu
It’s not easy to tell the difference between Covid-19 and the flu.
The flu has many symptoms in common with coronavirus, such as a headache, sore throat, fever, cough, a runny nose and shortness of breath.
However, it’s unusual for the flu to cause a loss or change to your sense of taste and smell, which can happen with Covid-19.
- If you feel like you have the flu or experience a fever, a new continuous cough, or a change to your sense of taste or smell, you should self-isolate and get a PCR test.
The main Covid-19 symptoms if you are fully vaccinated
While you are much less likely to catch Covid-19 if you are fully vaccinated, it is still possible. If you do catch it, you’re much less likely to become seriously ill.
The top five symptoms being reported by people who have had two doses of the vaccine are:
- a headache
- a runny nose
- sneezing
- a sore throat
- a loss or change to sense of smell
This research suggests those who have had one or two doses of the vaccine are more likely to report sneezing as a symptom, compared to those who are not vaccinated.
And while a new, continuous cough can be a symptom of the Delta variant, it’s not as common as it is for the Alpha variant, and research suggests it’s not as common in those who have been vaccinated.
The main Covid-19 symptoms if you are not fully vaccinated
The most reported symptoms by those who haven’t had the vaccine are:
- a headache
- a runny nose
- a sore throat
- fever
- a persistent cough
What are the symptoms of flu?
Flu symptoms tend to come on very suddenly, and make you feel too ill to carry out normal activities. They commonly last 5-7 days.
Usual flu symptoms include:
- a sudden high temperature of 38C or above
- an aching body
- feeling tired or exhausted
- a dry cough
- a headache
Sometimes flu symptoms include:
- runny nose
- sore throat
- difficulty sleeping
- loss of appetite
- diarrhoea or tummy pain
- feeling sick and being sick
Not typically a symptom of the flu:
- sneezing
What are the symptoms of the common cold?
Cold and flu symptoms are similar, but cold symptoms are less severe. Cold symptoms also appear gradually, unlike flu symptoms which come on very quickly. Most adults recover from a cold in around 7-10 days, but symptoms can persist for up to three weeks.
Usual cold symptoms include:
- sneezing
- muscle aches
- a blocked or runny nose
- a sore throat
Sometimes cold symptoms include:
- headaches
- coughs
- a raised temperature
- pressure in your ears and face
- a loss of taste and smell
Not typically symptoms of a cold:
- diarrhoea
- shortness of breath