As we prepare to face the Winter months this year we need to prepare more than ever. As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to evolve, comparisons have been drawn to influenza. Both cause respiratory disease, yet there are important differences between the two viruses and how they spread.

Symptoms of the Cold.

Colds Symptoms of a cold include sore throat, sneezing, blocked or runny nose, cough and feeling unwell. While symptomatic with a cold you should drink plenty of liquids, get lots of rest at home and eat healthily. Most adults will start to feel better after 3 or 4 days and be fully recovered by 7 days, although young children may take a little longer to fully recover.

Flu

Influenza or Flu is a virus that comes on suddenly and makes you feel quite unwell. Symptoms of Flu include sore throat, fever and muscle aches which develop quickly, along with feeling very unwell. You should start to feel much better after 5 to 8 days although a cough and general tiredness may last for 2 to 3 weeks. Usually, you do not need to see the doctor, as most Flu can be treated at home by drinking plenty of liquids, getting lots of rest and eating healthily. Contact your GP by telephone if you don’t improve or if you start to improve and then get worse. People with Flu are usually infectious a day before symptoms start and remain infectious for 5 or 6 days. Stay at home and try to avoid all unnecessary contact with others during this time to avoid spreading the illness to them.

Similarities:

Both COVID-19 and flu can have varying degrees of signs and symptoms, ranging from no symptoms (asymptomatic) to severe symptoms. Common symptoms that COVID-19 and flu share include:

• Fever or feeling feverish/chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle pain or body aches
• Headache
• Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults

Differences:

Flu

Flu viruses can cause mild to severe illness, including common signs and symptoms listed above.

COVID-19

Other signs and symptoms of COVID-19, different from flu, may include change in or loss of taste or smell.

Speak to your local Healthwise Pharmacist for more information.