Do I have Covid or flu? Symptoms to look out for as cases rise this autumn

[ad_1] Well being officers are warning of a seasonal surge in flu and Covid-19 as autumn arrives, however as the 2 viruses share many signs, it’s troublesome to inform them aside.

When a sniffle appears to progress additional than “only a chilly”, it’s laborious to know what it is perhaps – however there are variations in how the viruses seem and the dangers they pose.

How do I do know if I've the flu? Flu is a respiratory an infection that strikes hardest in winter and might be way more debilitating than the frequent chilly. Whereas colds usually deliver a runny nostril, sneezing, watery eyes and delicate throat irritation, flu tends to reach immediately with fever, aches and exhaustion.

Final winter alone, the flu despatched greater than 8,000 individuals to hospital. Over the previous two years, at the very least 18,000 deaths within the UK have been linked to the virus. Youngsters, older adults, individuals with long-term well being issues and people with weakened immune methods face the very best dangers.

Vaccination stays the strongest defence. Analysis reveals that final yr’s jab prevented 1000's of extreme instances, chopping hospital admissions by nearly a 3rd amongst over-65s and by greater than half amongst youngsters aged two to 17.

<img alt="Thousands of severe flu cases can be prevented by getting vaccinated (Getty/iStock)" loading="lazy" width="960" height="640" decoding="async" data-nimg="1" class="rounded-lg" style="color:transparent" src="https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/wanXu.ztSufkwqOFD_2ROQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MDtjZj13ZWJw/https://media.zenfs.com/en/the_independent_577/d599a33acb8c027447770230487f8083"/> 1000's of extreme flu instances might be prevented by getting vaccinated (Getty/iStock)

This autumn, the flu vaccine is being supplied free to these over 65, pregnant girls, youngsters aged 2 and three by means of their GP, and schoolchildren from reception to yr 11 by way of nasal spray. Adults below 65 with sure well being situations are additionally eligible.

How do I do know if I've Covid-19? Covid-19 continues to trigger critical sickness, significantly amongst susceptible teams. The virus is continually evolving, with new variants spreading simply by means of coughs, sneezes and even dialog.

Vaccination campaigns every autumn proceed to attempt to stop hospitalisations and deaths.

The listing of signs has shifted since 2020. Many individuals now expertise what appears like chilly signs, akin to a runny nostril, sore throat or blocked sinuses. However others nonetheless report fever or chills, a persistent cough, fatigue, complications, shortness of breath, or a lack of style and odor. Abdomen points akin to nausea and diarrhoea may happen.

Docs say a hoarse throat has turn into one of many hallmark options of the newest variants.

<img alt="The UKHSA noted a 7.6 per cent increase in Covid cases across England earlier this month (AFP/Getty)" loading="lazy" width="960" height="640" decoding="async" data-nimg="1" class="rounded-lg" style="color:transparent" src="https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/LK46S3KGfhs0AYYSQTl4YA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MDtjZj13ZWJw/https://media.zenfs.com/en/the_independent_577/f4d6c0077b8449d2ae974f52aae69acc"/> The UKHSA famous a 7.6 per cent improve in Covid instances throughout England earlier this month (AFP/Getty)

The brand new pressure, known as Stratus, has two variants, XFG and XFG.3.

Regardless of accounting for a big proportion of recent instances, specialists should not involved in regards to the unfold, noting it's regular for viruses to mutate and alter.

These aged 65 and over, care house residents, and folks with underlying well being issues are all entitled to the Covid-19 booster.

Are instances climbing now? In keeping with the UK Well being Safety Company, ranges of flu and Covid-19 might be on the rise operating into winter, becoming a member of different seasonal bugs akin to RSV and norovirus.

By 10 September, the UKHSA famous a 7.6 per cent improve in coronavirus instances throughout England in comparison with the earlier week.

Consultants say the danger is highest through the colder months when viruses unfold extra simply indoors.

Officers are urging everybody eligible to take up their vaccines to cut back the pressure on hospitals and shield probably the most susceptible. Each flu and Covid-19 might be critical, however prevention and early consciousness stay the very best instruments in opposition to them.