Is it Covid, a cold or the flu? How to tell the difference if you're suffering with symptoms this Spring
Folk in Wigan are being struck down by a variety of symptoms this spring, but aren’t sure whether they’re suffering from Covid, a cold or the flu.
While a lot of the symptoms are similar, there are some noteable differences which indicate which one a person may have.
The most common symptoms of Covid-19 are a fever, cough and new loss of taste or smell. But there are many other possible signs and symptoms, which could lead to confusion.
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Hide AdCovid-19 is a respiratory illness caused by the strain of coronavirus that first emerged in December 2019 in Wuhan, China.


Influenza (flu) is also a respiratory illness that affects your lungs, but flu is caused by a different kind of virus, instead of a coronavirus. Flu can be dangerous, which is why those with underlying medical conditions like heart disease or diabetes are offered a flu jab at this time of year.
Colds are caused by many different viruses, but most commonly a rhinovirus or a coronavirus. A cold only affects your upper respiratory tract (your nose and throat), not your lungs. Colds usually aren't serious.
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Hide AdHere are the symptoms of all three and how you can tell them apart. The symptoms in bold under Covid-19 are the main differences between the three illnesses.
Covid-19
Cough – usually (dry)
Muscle aches – usually
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Hide AdTiredness – usually
Sneezing – rarely
Sore throat – usually
Runny or stuffy nose – usually
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Hide AdFever – usually
Diarrhea – sometimes
Nausea or vomiting – sometimes
New loss of taste or smell – usually
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Hide AdShortness of breath or difficulty breathing – usually
A cold
Cough – usually
Muscle aches – sometimes
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Hide AdTiredness – sometimes
Sneezing – sometimes
Sore throat – usually
Runny or stuffy nose – usually
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Hide AdFever – sometimes
Diarrhea – never
Nausea or vomiting – never
New loss of taste or smell – sometimes (if nose is blocked)
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Hide AdShortness of breath or difficulty breathing – rarely
The flu
Cough – usually
Muscle aches – usually
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Hide AdTiredness – usually
Sneezing – sometimes
Sore throat – usually
Runny or stuffy nose – usually
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Hide AdFever – sometimes
Diarrhea – never
Nausea or vomiting – sometimes
New loss of taste or smell – rarely
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Hide AdShortness of breath or difficulty breathing – rarely
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