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Coughs and colds are seemingly rampant at the moment. Here’s how to tell the difference between common winter viruses
Experts have warned of a ‘worrying’ rise in Covid cases across the UK as winter viruses begin to take hold.
Latest figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show that Covid activity increased to medium levels between September 29 and October 5, while flu infections also began to rise, particularly among young adults.
While it’s normal for viruses to spike seasonally, particularly after kids return to school and people spend more time indoors as temperatures drop, experts have warned that a recent rise in the number of Covid cases and hospitalisations in the UK is “worrying, so early in autumn”.
“A combination of return to work and school after the summer holidays, cooler weather – more indoor mixing in poorly ventilated spaces – and waning immunity are contributing to the increased spread of the virus,” Lawrence Young, virologist at Warwick University, told the BMJ.
“The increased trend in cases of infection and hospitalisations, although still low, are worrying so early in the autumn period.”
The main Covid variant currently circulating in the UK is XFG, commonly known as Stratus. Between September 1 and September 14, the Stratus variant accounted for more than 82 per cent of all cases in England.
Another variant circulating in the UK is NB.1.8.1, or Nimbus. According to Young, the Nimbus variant is more infectious than Stratus, but mutations on the Stratus virus help it evade antibodies generated by previous Covid infections and vaccinations.
“Both these features contribute to the increased spread of these variants,” he added, but the UKHSA says current data does not indicate that these variants lead to more severe illness than previous variants.
As the Covid strain has mutated over time and new strains have emerged, its main symptoms have changed. Now, many people experience cold-like symptoms.
Below are the signs and symptoms of common winter viruses – cold, flu and Covid – and how to tell the difference between them.
Colds
According to the UKHSA, rhinovirus causes what we know as the common cold. The main symptoms include:
- A blocked or runny nose
- Sneezing
- A sore throat
- A hoarse voice
- A cough
- 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. Symptoms typically come on gradually, over two to three days.
Flu
Flu is a viral infection affecting the nose, throat, and lungs. It is far worse than an ordinary cold, and symptoms often come on very suddenly, causing a fever or body aches and extreme tiredness.
Covid
Common symptoms of Covid include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Loss of smell
- Hoarseness
- Throat pain
- Muscle aches
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
There are also key differences between the symptoms of Stratus and Nimbus.
“Stratus is linked to hoarseness and fatigue, whereas Nimbus is associated with a ‘razor-blade’ sore throat and digestive symptoms like nausea and bloating,” explains Dr Bruno Silvester Lopes, lecturer in microbiology at Teesside University. “Both are highly transmissible but not more severe than previous variants.”
How to protect yourself and others
As Covid and flu cases rise in the UK, health officials have urged everyone eligible for a vaccine to get protected.
Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: “Remember that there are simple steps everyone can take to protect themselves and others. Anyone experiencing flu or COVID-19 symptoms, including high temperature, cough and feeling tired or achy, should try to minimise contact with others, particularly with those who may be vulnerable.
“If you have symptoms and need to leave the house, our advice remains that you should consider wearing a face covering.
“Washing hands regularly and using and disposing tissues in bins can reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses, as can ensuring that indoor areas are well ventilated.”
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