Is it a cold, the flu or Covid? Expert advice and how to avoid the worst

You probably know someone who is coughing and spluttering right now, hopefully not directly at you.

Coughs and colds are prevalent as autumn approaches.

But why now? How do you know if it’s a cold, covid or the so-called “superflu”—not an official virus, but a term referring to a flu that lasts longer or hits harder than expected?

Medical doctor Dr Oscar Duke, who is also a regular TV presenter, including on the BBC’s Morning Live, shares his top tips to spot the difference and avoid the worst:

Research on the extent to which cold weather impacts our immune systems remains unclear.

But darker days mean we typically make a beeline for warm, cosy indoor spaces.

And this environment is perfect for viruses.

It’s also when young children get back together at school after the summer holidays.

School and nursery can be like petri dishes with many viruses circulating, and they may bring these germs home with them.

The same applies to freshers in university halls – where mixing together spreads germs, while heavy drinking and partying further weaken the immune system.

NHS leaders are already warning that the UK is facing an unprecedented flu season.

Flu has hit a month earlier than normal, with a more severe strain of the virus circulating.

Vaccines still work against this drifted influenza A (H3N2) strain, which some are calling “super flu”.

Colds

• Symptoms appear gradually
• Most affect the nose and throat.
• Early signs: pressure in your ears.
• Chestier, mucus cough

Flu

• It suddenly comes on suddenly
• I feel wiped out.
• Fever, muscle aches, exhaustion
• I require bed rest.
• Dry cough

Covid

• Typical flu symptoms
• Loss of taste or smell
• Diarrhoea or tummy upset

Many of the symptoms of colds, flu and more serious viruses like Covid overlap.

But there are some clues that might help you identify the exact culprit.

If a cold’s coming on, then it often does so gradually.

It’ll tickle the back of your mouth, nose, and throat.

Another early warning sign can be a build-up of pressure in the ear.

If the virus spreads further, it can reach your lungs and cause a pesky cough.

Mostly, however, these symptoms don’t stop us from carrying on as normal.

The same can’t be said for the flu, which typically adds aches, fevers, and muscle weakness.

Flu doesn’t mean you have to go to bed, but it might make you feel that way.

Since the pandemic, Covid has complicated things further, with similar symptoms to the flu.

But one key Covid-specific identifier can be a loss of smell or taste. Another, as new variants Stratus and Nimbus spike this winter, is a “razor-sharp” sore throat. Diarrhoea is also common.

The recommendation is to stay home and rest and recover.

However, if you have underlying conditions, experience breathlessness, or find symptoms that don’t ease after three weeks, you shouldn’t hesitate to seek medical advice.

Our bodies naturally fight viruses and infection, but we can also give them a helping hand with the right medication.

• Paracetamol: Provided you’re okay to take it, this or ibuprofen is the first port of call. Both are really good for helping to bring the fever down and softening any pain that you might have. But remember that lots of cough and cold mixtures include traces of paracetamol, so make sure you’re not accidentally taking too much

• Vitamin C: This is often thought to help defend against colds. But there’s not a huge amount of evidence for this. Unless you’re deficient, focusing on a healthy, balanced diet is far more important

• A vitamin D: A top-up of vitamin D in colder months is recommended by the NHS, because let’s face it, we don’t usually get much sunlight at this time of year in the UK

• Decongestant sprays: Sure, they feel great and provide instant relief, but using them too often can cause rebound congestion—when your nose becomes dependent and swells without a fix. I suggest using them for no more than four or five days

• Chicken soup: There’s little evidence of the dish fighting viruses directly, but its heat can help warm the back of your throat and soothe some of those symptoms. It’s also a good way to take on extra fluids, with hydration vital as you battle infection.

It’s crucial to take the free annual flu jab if you’re offered it.

Eligibility is staggered across the population to prioritise those most at risk.

If you have small children who were two or three on 31 August this year, then they are entitled. Older children will be offered theirs at school.

Find out more and book on the NHS website, or visit your