Colds, flu and Covid-19 have similar symptoms but are caused by different viruses.
As winter nears, millions of people will be struck down with a common cold, but may confuse it with coronavirus.
There are now fears that demand for Covid-19 tests will soar as we head into flu season.
The handy symptom checker pictured below shows the main symptoms of each illness.
Here is everything you need to know about symptoms of the common cold, flu and coronavirus:
The NHS says the main symptoms of coronavirus are:
- a high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
- a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
- a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you've noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal.
Most people with coronavirus have at least one of these symptoms.
The NHS says flu symptoms can include:
- a sudden fever – a temperature of 38C or above
- an aching body
- feeling tired or exhausted
- a dry cough
- a sore throat
- a headache
- difficulty sleeping
- loss of appetite
- diarrhoea or tummy pain
- feeling sick and being sick
The NHS says cold symptoms come on gradually and can include:
- a blocked or runny nose
- a sore throat
- headaches
- muscle aches
- coughs
- sneezing
- a raised temperature
- pressure in your ears and face
- loss of taste and smell
Doctors have stressed that if you are not sure you should seek medical advice.
