A particular kind of cough might help identify whether you've contracted Covid or flu this winter. The NHS has outlined methods to differentiate between the two conditions.

Throughout the winter period, we typically witness a surge in specific ailments. Common respiratory infections such as the cold, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID-19, and influenza become increasingly widespread. This occurs because viruses flourish in colder conditions and transmit more readily when people gather indoors for extended periods.

Nevertheless, distinguishing between these illnesses proves challenging given their similar symptoms. For instance, the NHS website identifies the following indicators as characteristic of both Covid and flu:

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• A high temperature


• A sore throat


• Feeling tired or exhausted


• A headache


• Diarrhoea


• Feeling sick or being sick


• A loss of appetite

Coughing features in both conditions. Yet this symptom can vary.

If you contract influenza, the NHS indicates you may develop a "dry" cough. This symptom could "come on very quickly".

Conversely, with Covid you might experience a "new, continuous cough". The NHS clarifies: "This means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours."

This guidance is supported by Doctor Rupa Parmar, a GP and medical director at Midland Health. In a previous discussion with The Mirror, she stated: "With a cold, a cough will be mild, while a flu cough will seem dry.

"With Covid, a cough will be dry and continuous, and many people will cough for more than an hour or have three or more coughing episodes within a day."

The nature of your cough isn't the only indicator that might help identify which illness you're experiencing. A diminished or altered sense of smell or taste is frequently documented among Covid patients.

In contrast, this symptom is far less common with influenza. Breathlessness is additionally recognised by the NHS as indicative of Covid, yet isn't typically associated with flu - though it may develop if influenza becomes severe.

For both Covid and influenza, the NHS recommends remaining at home and limiting contact with others if you or your child display symptoms and either:

• Have a high temperature


• Do not feel well enough to go to work, school, childcare, or do your normal activities

The guidance states: "You can go back to your normal activities when you feel better or do not have a high temperature."

Medical advice should be sought urgently through your GP or NHS 111 if:

• You're concerned about your own or a child's COVID-19 symptoms and are uncertain about the next steps


• The symptoms are escalating or showing no signs of improvement


• You or a child exhibit other indications of illness, such as a rash, diminished appetite, or feelings of weakness


• You or a child persistently have a high temperature that lasts five days or more, or does not reduce with paracetamol


• A child under three months old has a temperature of 38C or above, or you suspect they have a high temperature


• A child aged between three to six months has a temperature of 39C or above, or you believe they have a high temperature


• You or your child display flu-like symptoms and you're either over 65, pregnant, living with a long-term medical condition, have a compromised immune system, or your symptoms do not alleviate after seven days