How does the NHS differentiate between a COVID-19 cough and a flu cough?

The NHS suggests flu coughs are often dry and appear quickly, while COVID-19 may cause a new, continuous cough.

What other symptoms can help distinguish COVID-19 from flu?

Loss of smell or taste and breathlessness are more commonly associated with COVID-19 than flu.

What should I do if I suspect I have COVID-19 or flu?

The NHS recommends staying home, limiting contact with others, and seeking medical advice if symptoms are severe.

Home / Health / Cough Type: Covid vs. Flu?

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.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.