Health and Me

Itisha Arya

Think It’s Just Flu Or A Cold? This Cough Could Actually Be Covid

COUGH COVID

A medical expert has revealed that you might be able to tell which winter illness you’re dealing with just by the type of cough you have. According to Dr. Rupa Parmar, a GP and medical director at Midland Health, coughing can present differently depending on whether you have a cold, flu, or COVID-19. During the winter months, certain infections become more common. Viruses spread more easily in cold weather, and spending more time indoors with others makes transmission more likely.

Still, it can be tricky to identify exactly what’s wrong because symptoms often overlap. Dr. Parmar advises: “There are some key differences between a cold, <span>Covid</span>, and flu that make it easier to tell them apart. But if you’re unsure, always check with your doctor. It’s better to be safe when it comes to your health.”

Dr. Parmar explained: “A cold usually causes a mild cough, while a flu cough is typically dry.” According to the NHS, cold symptoms develop gradually over two to three days. In contrast, flu symptoms “come on very quickly,” with a dry cough being a key sign.

Covid can also cause a dry cough, but it is usually persistent. Dr. Parmar said: “Covid tends to trigger a dry, continuous cough. Many people cough for over an hour at a time or have three or more coughing episodes in a single day.”

The NHS defines this as: “A new, continuous cough—meaning you’re coughing a lot for more than an hour or have three or more coughing episodes within 24 hours.”

<h2>What Is ‘<span rel="noindex">Super Flu</span>’?</h2>

NHS officials are warning that the UK may be facing an unusually severe flu season. Cases have started a month earlier than usual, driven by a stronger strain of the influenza A(H3N2) virus, sometimes being called “super flu.” Despite its intensity, vaccines remain effective against this strain, offering protection to those who get immunized.

Other signs of Covid to watch for include:

<ul><li>High temperature—you may feel hot, cold, shivery, or notice heat on your chest or back (you don’t always need a thermometer)</li><li>Loss or change of smell or taste</li><li>Shortness of breath</li><li>Feeling very tired or drained</li><li>Body aches</li><li>Headache</li><li>Sore throat</li><li>Stuffy or runny nose</li><li>Loss of apetite</li><li>Diarrhea</li><li>Nausea or vomiting</li></ul>

The NHS warns: “Covid symptoms can resemble those of other illnesses like colds or flu. Most people recover within a few weeks, but some may take longer. If you have a cough, pharmacists can offer guidance on treatment.”

The NHS advises staying at home and avoiding contact with others if you or your child:

<ul><li>Have a high temperature</li><li>Do not feel well enough to attend work, school, childcare, or daily activities</li><li>You can resume normal activities once you feel better or no longer have a high temperature.</li></ul>

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A medical expert has revealed that you might be able to tell which winter illness you’re dealing with just by the type of cough you have. According to Dr. Rupa Parmar, a GP and medical director at Midland Health, coughing can present differently depending on whether you have a cold, flu, or COVID-19. During the winter months, certain infections become more common. Viruses spread more easily in cold weather, and spending more time indoors with others makes transmission more likely.Still, it can be tricky to identify exactly what’s wrong because symptoms often overlap. Dr. Parmar advises: “There are some key differences between a cold, Covid, and flu that make it easier to tell them apart. But if you’re unsure, always check with your doctor. It’s better to be safe when it comes to your health.”Cold and FluDr. Parmar explained: “A cold usually causes a mild cough, while a flu cough is typically dry.” According to the NHS, cold symptoms develop gradually over two to three days. In contrast, flu symptoms “come on very quickly,” with a dry cough being a key sign.CovidCovid can also cause a dry cough, but it is usually persistent. Dr. Parmar said: “Covid tends to trigger a dry, continuous cough. Many people cough for over an hour at a time or have three or more coughing episodes in a single day.”The NHS defines this as: “A new, continuous cough—meaning you’re coughing a lot for more than an hour or have three or more coughing episodes within 24 hours.”What Is ‘Super Flu’?NHS officials are warning that the UK may be facing an unusually severe flu season. Cases have started a month earlier than usual, driven by a stronger strain of the influenza A(H3N2) virus, sometimes being called “super flu.” Despite its intensity, vaccines remain effective against this strain, offering protection to those who get immunized.Other Key Covid SymptomsOther signs of Covid to watch for include:High temperature—you may feel hot, cold, shivery, or notice heat on your chest or back (you don’t always need a thermometer)Loss or change of smell or tasteShortness of breathFeeling very tired or drainedBody achesHeadacheSore throatStuffy or runny noseLoss of apetiteDiarrheaNausea or vomitingThe NHS warns: “Covid symptoms can resemble those of other illnesses like colds or flu. Most people recover within a few weeks, but some may take longer. If you have a cough, pharmacists can offer guidance on treatment.”If You Have CovidThe NHS advises staying at home and avoiding contact with others if you or your child:Have a high temperatureDo not feel well enough to attend work, school, childcare, or daily activitiesYou can resume normal activities once you feel better or no longer have a high temperature.