COVID cases are still being confirmed around the country and in the North-East, despite rates falling. As cold weather continues, it's important to know the difference between coronavirus, the flu and common cold.

They are all different viruses but can have similar symptoms, with people sick with Covid-19 having at lease a high temperature, a new and continuous cough or a loss or change to their sense of smell or taste.

A high temperature, 37.8C or above, happens when your body is fighting an infection. While this is a key Covid symptom, it could also be the flu. 

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If you have a cough, it would be any of the three viruses however each has different characteristics.

Flu usually comes on suddenly, with a fever that lasts three to four days. Anyone with the flu will likely experience chills, aches and headaches while sore throats and stuffy noses only occur sometimes. Coughs and chest discomfort are common and can be severe.

Colds, on the other hand, have gradual symptoms. Fevers and chills are rare while aches are slight. Sneezing, stuffy noses and sore throats are highly common, with hacking coughing. 

The cough that Covid patients experience is dry and persistent. 

Covid symptoms take longer to develop than flu, with them showing from 5 to 14 days after infection versus 1 to 4 days after.

The main coronavirus symptoms recognised by the NHS are:

  • A high temperature - this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back.
  • A new, continuous cough - those who are 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: this means you've noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal.

Further coronavirus symptoms that have been reported include:

  • Chest tightness
  • Myalgia (muscle pain)
  • Fatigue (tiredness)
  • Dyspnoea (breathing difficulty) 

If you are displaying symptoms, arrange a coronavirus test - you can use the NHS 111 coronavirus service online.