Difference between Covid and rhinovirus symptoms as new illness similar to virus

Experts have warned that a new rhinovirus could pose a health risk to vulnerable people due to symptoms that are similar to coronavirus.

Rhinovirus may be the reason for your cold-like symptoms, with people experiencing a headache or runny nose now being urged to stay at home despite a negative Covid test.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health has set out how to tell the difference between the two viruses to reduce the chance of spreading the infection to others, Belfast Live reports.

Signs of coronavirus may not be limited to the three original symptoms commonly described and could include a runny nose, sore throat or headache - all typical signs of a respiratory virus.

Government advice now states that anyone with cold-like symptoms should stay at home to and isolate to stop the rhinovirus spreading further.

They said: "Current official advice on COVID-19, as detailed on, already acknowledges that symptoms may vary and may not be limited to the three central symptoms identified at the outset of the pandemic.

Experts have warned that a new rhinovirus could pose a health risk (Getty Images)

COVID-19 symptoms “may be similar to the cold or flu” and “may vary for different age groups or different variants of the virus”.

"People with one of the three original symptoms of COVID (cough, temperature or loss of smell and taste) are still advised to stay at home and book a PCR test."

"If you have other symptoms of a respiratory virus (such as runny nose, sore throat or headache) you can take a LFD test.

"Even if you don’t have COVID, your symptoms may be caused by another respiratory virus such as rhinovirus which can be easily passed on to others.

"It is therefore advisable to stay at home if you can and reduce contact with others when you have respiratory virus symptoms to avoid spreading infection to others."

Covid symptoms

According to the NHS's updated list, coronavirus symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath

• Feeling tired or exhausted

• An aching body

• A headache

• A sore throat

• A blocked or runny nose

• Loss of appetite

• Diarrhoea

• Feeling sick or being sick

Rhinovirus symptoms

Rhinovirus is the main culprit behind the common cold. Illness usually starts with:

• a runny nose
• sore throat
• sneezing
• headache
• cough
• muscle aches

Most rhinovirus infections are mild, but they can sometimes lead to bronchiolitis and pneumonia – especially in babies.

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