How to tell if you have Covid, flu, RSV or a cold - symptoms to look out for

The NHS has warned there could be a 'tripledemic' this year as people fall ill with Covid, flu and RSV. But there are ways you can figure out what virus you have picked up

Across the nation, individuals are grappling with cold and flu-like symptoms, uncertain of the exact virus they've contracted. The NHS has issued a warning about a potential 'tripledemic' this year as people succumb to Covid, flu and RSV.

A new strain of Covid, XEC, described by a GP as having 'more-flu-like' symptoms, has contributed to a more than 20% increase in reported Covid cases in England within a week. With Covid tests becoming scarcer since the pandemic's end, it can be challenging to identify the specific virus - especially given the similarity in symptoms.

However, there are certain indicators that could assist you in determining which virus you've caught. Regardless of whether it's Covid or flu, the NHS advises: "Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to do your normal activities."

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If you're keen on identifying the specific virus, there are ways to do so. Ben Littlewood-Hilson, chief medical officer at Doctorlink, previously indicated that a runny nose is a significant sign of a common cold.

While Covid-19 typically presents with specific symptoms such as a dry cough, fever and loss of smell or taste, flu generally affects the entire body, reports Gloucestershire Live.

Dr Ravi Tomar, a GP at the Portland Medical Practice in Croydon, told the Metro: "With a common cold less of the body is affected with symptoms focused on the mouth and nose; with the flu you would expect the body as a whole to mainly be affected; with Covid, the persistent fever, dry cough and specific features like the loss in taste or smell can suggest this may be the cause."

During the peak times of the pandemic, Boots the chemist formulated a chart which has been handy in helping establish what your symptoms could likely indicate.

The NHS outlines that the prominent symptoms of coronavirus are:

• a high temperature or shivering (chills) – a high temperature means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
• a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours
• a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
• shortness of breath
• feeling tired or exhausted
• an aching body
• a headache
• a sore throat
• a blocked or runny nose
• loss of appetite
• diarrhoea
• feeling sick or being sick

It points out that most individuals suffering from coronavirus will exhibit at least one of these symptoms.

In terms of flu, the NHS lists potential symptoms as:

• a sudden high temperature
• 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

Regarding common colds, the NHS mentions symptoms typically emerge gradually and can comprise of:

• a blocked or runny nose
• sneezing
• a sore throat
• a hoarse voice
• a cough
• feeling tired and unwell

There may also be additional symptoms:

• a high temperature
• aching muscles
• a loss of taste and smell
• a feeling of pressure in your ears and face

Moreover, the NHS details symptoms of RSV to be:

• a runny or blocked nose
• a cough
• sneezing
• tiredness
• a high temperature – signs include your back or chest feeling hotter than usual, sweatiness and shivering (chills)

Furthermore, infants with RSV might present with irritability and diminished appetite.

Medical professionals have emphasised the importance of seeking medical guidance if there's any uncertainty regarding your symptoms.

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