Health and Me

Itisha Arya

Doctors Say This One Symptom Separates Covid From Seasonal Illness

This One Symptom Separates Covid From Seasonal Illness

A GP has raised concern about a key sign that may show you have <span>Covid</span> rather than a cold or flu. Winter illnesses often look alike, which makes it hard to tell them apart, and getting the right diagnosis is important for proper care. Dr Rupa Parmar, GP and medical director at Midland Health, explained that there are certain clues that can help people understand what they are dealing with. She advised that anyone unsure should check with their doctor, as it is safer to ask than ignore a concern.

Dr Parmar noted that shortness of breath stands out as a sign of Covid. It rarely appears in a cold or flu, but it is common with Covid because the infection tends to affect the lungs and cause inflammation. The NHS also lists breathlessness as a sign linked more strongly with Covid than with flu or a cold. This symptom is also seen in conditions such as respiratory syncytial virus. In some cases, people with the flu who do not recover and worsen may develop breathing trouble if they develop complications such as pneumonia.

She added that coughs appear in all three infections, but they do not sound the same. A cold usually causes a light cough, flu tends to bring a dry one, and Covid usually causes a dry, ongoing cough. Many people with Covid cough for more than an hour or have several episodes of coughing through the day.

<h2>Loss Of Taste Or Smell As A Warning Sign</h2>

Another clue is a change in taste or smell. Dr Parmar said this sign is more specific to Covid. A sudden loss of taste or smell, or even a noticeable change, is more likely linked to the coronavirus. She explained that the pattern of symptoms often helps point to the right illness. A mild cough and sore throat usually fit a cold, a fever and strong fatigue suggest flu, and a loss of smell or taste with a steady cough point to Covid.

She also noted that the start of symptoms can differ. A cold tends to appear slowly, <span>flu symptoms</span> usually show up quickly within a few hours, and Covid can begin with mild signs that grow stronger over time. A cold mainly affects the nose and throat, while flu and Covid can cause symptoms across the body.

<h2>What To Do If You Have Covid Symptoms</h2>

Even though there are no formal self-isolation rules anymore, the NHS advises people to stay home and limit contact with others if they or their children have symptoms and either have a high temperature or feel too unwell to manage daily activities at work, school, or home. The NHS states that people can return to their usual routine once they feel well again or no longer have a high temperature.

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A GP has raised concern about a key sign that may show you have Covid rather than a cold or flu. Winter illnesses often look alike, which makes it hard to tell them apart, and getting the right diagnosis is important for proper care. Dr Rupa Parmar, GP and medical director at Midland Health, explained that there are certain clues that can help people understand what they are dealing with. She advised that anyone unsure should check with their doctor, as it is safer to ask than ignore a concern.Why Breathlessness MattersDr Parmar noted that shortness of breath stands out as a sign of Covid. It rarely appears in a cold or flu, but it is common with Covid because the infection tends to affect the lungs and cause inflammation. The NHS also lists breathlessness as a sign linked more strongly with Covid than with flu or a cold. This symptom is also seen in conditions such as respiratory syncytial virus. In some cases, people with the flu who do not recover and worsen may develop breathing trouble if they develop complications such as pneumonia.How Cough Patterns DifferShe added that coughs appear in all three infections, but they do not sound the same. A cold usually causes a light cough, flu tends to bring a dry one, and Covid usually causes a dry, ongoing cough. Many people with Covid cough for more than an hour or have several episodes of coughing through the day.Loss Of Taste Or Smell As A Warning SignAnother clue is a change in taste or smell. Dr Parmar said this sign is more specific to Covid. A sudden loss of taste or smell, or even a noticeable change, is more likely linked to the coronavirus. She explained that the pattern of symptoms often helps point to the right illness. A mild cough and sore throat usually fit a cold, a fever and strong fatigue suggest flu, and a loss of smell or taste with a steady cough point to Covid.How Symptoms Begin And ProgressShe also noted that the start of symptoms can differ. A cold tends to appear slowly, flu symptoms usually show up quickly within a few hours, and Covid can begin with mild signs that grow stronger over time. A cold mainly affects the nose and throat, while flu and Covid can cause symptoms across the body.What To Do If You Have Covid SymptomsEven though there are no formal self-isolation rules anymore, the NHS advises people to stay home and limit contact with others if they or their children have symptoms and either have a high temperature or feel too unwell to manage daily activities at work, school, or home. The NHS states that people can return to their usual routine once they feel well again or no longer have a high temperature.