The chilly season often ushers in a host of common illnesses like colds and flu, but other similar respiratory viruses such as Covid-19 and pneumoniacan present with similar symptoms. However, these more serious conditionscan pose a life-threatening risk to certain people and may require hospitalisation for others.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has provided guidance on how to distinguish pneumonia from other common winter ailments. In doing so, they have revealed some key signs that your cough could be pneumonia and might need to be taken more seriously than you initially think.

The common cold is an infection that affects your nose, sinuses, throat and windpipe. Symptoms primarily impact these areas and typically develop gradually over two to three days.

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Cold symptoms include:

• a blocked or runny nose


• sneezing


• a sore throat


• a hoarse voice


• a cough


• feeling tired and unwell


• a high temperature


• aching muscles


• a loss of taste and smell


• a feeling of pressure in your ears and face

On the other hand, pneumonia is inflammation in the lungs usually caused by an infection. It makes it harder for oxygen to pass from the lungs into the bloodstream and it will trigger symptoms focused on the airways and lungs.

Pneumonia symptoms include these nine warning signs:

• a cough – you may cough up yellow or green mucus (phlegm)


• shortness of breath


• a high temperature


• chest pain


• an aching body


• feeling very tired


• loss of appetite


• making wheezing noises when you breathe – babies may also make grunting noises


• feeling confused

The common cold usually clears up on its own within one to two weeks, and your local pharmacist can recommend over-the-counter remedies to help manage symptoms.

However, recovery from pneumonia typically takes between two to four weeks with prescribed antibiotics. Vulnerable groups such as young children or the elderly may require hospitalisation for treatment, where they will receive fluids, antibiotics, and oxygen if needed.

The NHS urges anyone who thinks they may have pneumonia and experiences the following to call 999:

• you're struggling to breathe – you're choking, gasping and unable to speak


• you have pale, blue or blotchy skin, lips or tongue


• you suddenly feel confused – for example, you do not know where you are


• you cannot wake your baby and they feel floppy

More information about pneumonia and the common cold can be found on the NHS website.