A particular indicator when eating could suggest you're battling COVID-19 rather than a different seasonal bug. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), there are "high levels" of influenza, RSV, COVID-19 and norovirus circulating each winter.

Yet distinguishing between them can prove challenging. While self-isolation is no longer compulsory for those with Covid, the NHS continues to advise remaining at home with symptoms and minimising contact with others. But how do you know if it's actually Covid?

The UKHSA has identified several prevalent symptoms people have reported. While numerous symptoms are shared with other seasonal ailments, one particular sign is distinctive.

• Man wins £110k on Christmas lottery but lands in prison due to detail on back of ticket


• Emmerdale fans convinced of evil Celia's downfall but there's a sickening twist

An alteration in your sense of taste or smell might indicate Covid, according to the UKHSA. The agency highlighted additional symptoms worth noting. In a blog entry published last year, the UKHSA noted: "We have seen COVID-19 symptoms change over time.

"Today, many people now experience cold-like symptoms but some will also experience fever or chills, continuous cough, shortness of breath, tiredness, body aches, headache, sore throat, blocked nose, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhoea, or change in sense of taste or smell."

By contrast, the UKHSA stated that flu typically presents with pronounced cold-like manifestations including a runny nose, sneezing and watery eyes, along with fever or body aches. RSV is distinguished by coughing, wheezing, breathlessness, fatigue and raised temperature.

The primary symptoms of norovirus, as outlined by the UKHSA, include nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting. Additional symptoms may encompass a high temperature, headache, and aching limbs.

Eligibility for the winter COVID-19 vaccine includes:

• Individuals aged 75 or over (including those turning 75 by January 31 2026)


• Those aged between 6 months and 74 years with a compromised immune system due to a health condition or treatment


• Residents of care homes for older adults

The free NHS flu vaccine is available if you:

• Are aged 65 or over (including those turning 65 by 31 March 2026)


• Have certain long-term health conditions


• Are pregnant


• Reside in a care home


• Are the primary carer for an elderly or disabled individual, or receive a carer's allowance


• Live with someone who has a weakened immune system

Frontline health and social care workers are also eligible for a flu vaccine through their employer.