Omicron, Delta, Covid, cold and flu - full list of symptoms and how to tell difference

The different symptoms of Omicron and Delta versus the cold and flu can be hard to distinguish.

It's tricky to definitively tell when a sore throat is just a cold - or a new case of Covid.

But there are some distinct features of Omicron that make it different than different strains of the virus, reports The Mirror.

Yesterday Covid cases in the UK exceeded 100,000 cases reported in a single day, so it's important now more than ever to know the difference.

If you have symptoms, the one definitive way to know if you have a regular winter ailment or coronavirus is to book a PCR test.

To learn more about the different symptoms of Omicron, Delta, a cold or the flu, read on...

What are the main Omicron symptoms?

ZOE app users reported feeling cold-like symptoms (Getty Images/Tetra images RF)

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 five symptoms were:

• Runny nose
• Headache
• Fatigue (mild or severe)
• Sneezing
• Sore throat

Loss of appetite and brain fog were also identified as common symptoms.

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?

Delta symptoms can vary by your vaccination status (Getty Images)

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 symptoms of a cold?

Cold symptoms sometimes last longer in children (Getty Images)

According to the NHS, cold symptoms come on gradually and can include:

• Blocked or runny nose
• 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:

• Sudden fever – a temperature of 38C or above
• An aching body
• Feeling tired or exhausted
• Dry cough
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Difficulty sleeping
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhoea or tummy pain
• Feeling sick and being sick

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