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

This article by The Independent examines how to distinguish between flu and Covid-19 as health officials warn of seasonal surges in both viruses.

As autumn arrives, health authorities are alerting the public about rising cases of flu and Covid-19, making it crucial to understand the differences between these respiratory infections. While both viruses share overlapping symptoms that can make diagnosis challenging, each has distinct characteristics and risk profiles that people should recognize for proper treatment and prevention.

• Flu symptoms: Typically arrive suddenly with fever, body aches, and exhaustion, contrasting with milder cold symptoms like runny nose and throat irritation
• Covid-19 evolution: Current variants like Stratus (XFG and XFG.3) now commonly cause cold-like symptoms, with hoarse throat becoming a hallmark feature
• Rising cases: UK Health Security Agency reports a 7.6% increase in coronavirus cases by September, with both viruses expected to surge during winter months
• Vaccination protection: Free vaccines remain available for eligible groups, with research showing significant reductions in hospital admissions and severe cases