Coronavirus, Or the Flu? Here's 5 Easy Ways to Tell

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With coronavirus cases beginning to rise once again in the UK, the country could be facing a bleak winter, with cases of the novel respiratory disease now circulating alongside the annual flu.

Unfortunately, despite flu and Covid-19 being caused by different viruses, a number of coronavirus symptoms match with those of the flu, making it hard to identify what illness you may have. Here's a reminder of each:

Symptoms of Cold and Flu

• Sore throat

• Headaches

• Coughs

• Sore muscles

• Sneezing

• Raised temperature (the flu can result in a temperature of 38C or above)

• Pressure in your ears and face

• Difficulty sleeping

Coronavirus Symptoms:

• A high temperature

• A new, continuous cough

• A loss or change to their sense of smell or taste

As you'll notice, there are a few common symptoms between Covid-19 and the flu, including a high temperature and coughing. So, it's important to know which symptom matches which illness. Here are five simple ways to tell. (Continued below)

#1 Sneezing

Often associated with the common cold and flu, sneezing is not a symptom of coronavirus, so unless you also have a high temperature, fever, a cough and a loss of smell or taste, you do not need to get tested for Covid-19.

#2 Shortness of Breath

One of the most noticeable coronavirus symptoms, a shortness of breath is more common and, if symptoms match those above, you will need to self-isolate. Conversely, shortness of breath isn't a common symptom of a cold or the seasonal flu.

#3 Timing of Illness

As the CDC explains, "if a person has COVID-19, it could take them longer to develop symptoms than if they had flu," whereas with the flu, "a person develops symptoms anywhere from 1 to 4 days after infection."

#4 Runny Nose

A typical symptom of a cold or flu, a runny nose is not a reason to get tested for coronavirus, as explained by NHS Scotland. Using data from a Covid-19 symptoms app, this is especially true for children. "If, however, your child does not have symptoms of COVID-19 but has other cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, they do not need to be tested and they and you do not need to self-isolate."

#5 Loss of Smell

In August, European researchers found that the loss of smell that is typical of coronavirus is different to that of the common cold or flu (Influenza). With Covid-19 patients, they explained, the loss of smell was 'sudden' and 'severe'. Similarly, coronavirus patients with loss of taste are unable to identify the difference between bitter or sweet. It's thought that the pandemic virus affects the nerve cells involved with smell and taste.

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