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Cough Type: Covid vs. Flu?
1 Jan
Summary
- Cough characteristics can help distinguish flu from COVID-19.
- Flu coughs may appear suddenly and be dry.
- COVID-19 often presents with a new, continuous cough.
As winter illnesses spread, identifying whether you have COVID-19 or the flu can be challenging due to similar symptoms. However, the nature of your cough may offer clues. Influenza is typically associated with a dry cough that can onset rapidly.
In contrast, COVID-19 symptoms can include a new, continuous cough, defined as frequent coughing episodes over a 24-hour period. Other differentiating factors include a diminished sense of smell or taste and breathlessness, which are more frequently linked to COVID-19.
For both illnesses, the NHS advises staying home and limiting contact with others until symptoms improve and a high temperature has passed. Urgent medical attention should be sought if symptoms worsen or cause concern.
