As cases of the Omicron covid variant continue to spread rapidly, experts are reporting different symptoms compared with other variants of covid.
But with many winter bugs also doing the rounds it can be difficult to tell the difference between a cold, the flu, the Delta variant of coronavirus, or this new strain.
But as case numbers spiral, people need to make sure their colds aren't actually covid.
READ MORE: Best time to take lateral flow tests ahead of meeting family this Christmas
Anyone who shows any covid symptom should take a free PCR, which can be booked here.
Many symptoms overlap between colds, flu and coronavirus.
There are, however, some differences that can help identify your illness.
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.
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