As cases of the omicron covid variant continue to spread rapidly, experts have warned that the tell-tale signs of the new strain are very similar to that of a common cold.
And as many of us struggle with the many winter bugs that are also doing the rounds - it can leave us worrying whether we have a cold, the flu, the delta variant of coronavirus, or this new omicron strain.
Anyone who shows any covid symptom should take a free PCR - even if they think it is just the cold - which can be booked here.
Although many symptoms overlap between colds, flu and coronavirus, there are some differences which the Liverpool Echo have compiled that can help identify your illness to ease your worry while waiting for PCR results.
What are the symptoms of a cold?
According to the NHS, 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
The symptoms are the same in adults and children, though symptoms sometimes last longer in children.
What are the symptoms of the flu?
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
What are the main covid symptoms?
According to the NHS, the main coronavirus symptoms are:
- A high temperature
- A new, continuous cough
- A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
Anyone experiencing any of these symptoms should book a free PCR test.
What are the main Delta symptoms?
According to data from the ZOE app, symptoms vary depending on your vaccination status.
The top five symptoms if you’ve had two vaccinations are:
- headache
- runny nose
- sneezing
- sore throat
- loss of smell
If you’ve had one vaccine, they are:
- headache
- runny nose
- sore throat
- sneezing
- persistent cough
If you’ve not had the vaccine, the top five symptoms are:
- headache
- sore throat
- runny nose
- fever
- persistent cough
What are the main Omicron symptoms?
Using the most recent data from London, where omicron prevalence is higher than other regions of the UK, ZOE data scientists analysed symptom data from positive cases recorded.
The top 5 symptoms were:
- Runny nose
- Headache
- Fatigue (mild or severe)
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
Loss of appetite and brain fog were also identified as common symptoms.
