It usually starts at the worst possible time. A sore body, rising temperature and that familiar wave of fatigue just as holiday plans are coming together.
Many people brush it off as a seasonal bug and hope it will pass quickly. But with winter viruses circulating at the same time, uncertainty can set in fast.
Health authorities say Covid-19 and influenza are still commonly confused, even years after the pandemic began.
Both illnesses spread easily during colder months, and both can disrupt family gatherings, especially when elderly relatives are involved.
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Knowing the differences can help people make better decisions about rest, testing and contact with others.
Where the symptoms overlap
Covid and influenza are both respiratory infections that can cause sudden fever, exhaustion, headaches and muscle pain.
According to the UK Health Security Agency, influenza often comes on abruptly and can be particularly severe for older adults, children and people with underlying conditions. Last winter, influenza was linked to thousands of excess deaths in the UK alone.
The clues doctors look for
Clinicians note that some symptoms are more strongly associated with Covid than with influenza.
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Digestive issues and changes in the senses remain important indicators. Covid is also more likely to cause a persistent dry cough that lasts for long periods throughout the day.
Symptoms that tend to point more towards Covid include:
- a continuous dry cough
- diarrhoea or stomach upset
- reduced or lost sense of taste or smell
Why the distinction still matters
The World Health Organization estimates that more than two-thirds of the global population has now received at least one Covid vaccine dose.
Large population studies, including research published in JAMA Network Open, show lower overall mortality among vaccinated adults. However, vaccination does not fully prevent infection.
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Health agencies continue to advise staying at home and limiting contact with vulnerable people if Covid-like symptoms appear.
Being able to recognise the differences is not just about personal recovery, but about protecting others during a busy holiday season.
Sources: LADbible
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