A GP in Bristol is urging people with symptoms of the 'worst cold ever' to take a covid lateral flow test as it sweeps across the country.

People have reported how they have been suffering with a nasty cold that has been flooring them for weeks at a time.

And the covid symptoms in people who have been double-jabbed are like those of a cold, which the NHS says include a blocked or runny nose, a sore throat, headaches, coughs and a loss of smell.

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Dr Lucy Pocock, a National Institute for Health Research Doctoral Research Fellow at the Bristol Medical School, said: “What I would say to anyone now is that if you have symptoms such as a fever, cough, loss of sense of taste or smell, runny nose, sore throat or headache, you should do a lateral flow test.

"False positives are very unlikely, given the number of current cases, so a positive result almost certainly means that you have Covid-19 and you should self-isolate as per the government guidance. If it is negative you should perform a PCR test."

Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser at the UK Health Security Agency said: “If you get a positive lateral flow test, it’s important to make sure that you then get a follow up PCR test to confirm you have COVID-19. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, self-isolate and take a PCR test.

"With any test it is important to carefully read and follow the instructions for use on the test kit so as to avoid any incorrect readings.”

And whilst many people have largely avoided having colds over the past year due to limiting social contacts, wearing a mask in public indoor spaces and being encouraged to wash our hands more, Dr Pocock is encouraging the use of masks in public indoor spaces.

She said: “I think many of us have changed the way we think about other viral illnesses now, such as the common cold."

Dr Pocock, a GP from Cadbury Heath Healthcare in South Gloucestershire, added: "I know I have really enjoyed having fewer colds over the past year or so, which is why I will continue to wear a mask in public indoor spaces and try to stay away from other people when I have cold symptoms, even if it isn't covid.

"I would encourage everyone to do the same if they can.”

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