COVID vs Flu: How to Tell the Difference This Winter

During winter, flu, COVID-19 and other respiratory infections spread more easily because people spend more time indoors and in close contact.

Flu and COVID-19 share many symptoms, so it can be hard to know which illness you have without testing or clinical context.

Early detection helps patients take the right precautions, access the right advice and reduce the chance of passing illness to others.

Both illnesses can cause fever, tiredness, sore throat, cough and muscle aches. Flu symptoms often appear suddenly within a few days of exposure.

COVID-19 symptoms may develop more gradually and can include loss of taste or smell. Shortness of breath or chest tightness can also be more prominent with COVID-19.

Children with flu may have vomiting or diarrhoea more often than adults, while both viruses can cause headache, runny nose or sore throat.

Testing may be useful if you develop symptoms, have been in close contact with someone who tested positive, or need a result for work, travel or reassurance.

The source article specifically highlights fever, a new cough, loss of taste or smell and recent contact as reasons to consider testing or advice.

Testing can help patients decide whether to isolate, seek care or take precautions around family, colleagues and the wider community.

Ashworths Clinic can confirm current COVID testing availability, result timing and attendance guidance before booking.

Testing helps with detection, while flu vaccination helps reduce the risk of serious flu illness and seasonal spread.

It is usually planned in autumn or early winter, but patients can ask the pharmacy team whether vaccination is still useful and available later in the season.

A few simple steps can help protect yourself and others during winter respiratory season.

• Get vaccinated against flu and follow current COVID booster advice where eligible.
• Wash hands regularly with soap and warm water.
• Avoid close contact with people who are unwell where possible.
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
• Keep rooms ventilated when indoors.
• Stay home if you feel unwell to avoid passing infection to others.
• Eat well, rest and stay active where appropriate.

Severe breathlessness, chest pain, confusion or blue lips should be treated as urgent rather than routine clinic queries.

Use NHS 111 for urgent advice or call 999 for life-threatening symptoms.