A distinctive symptom could indicate whether you have Covid rather than flu or a common cold. Looking out for this sign could help to differentiate between these illnesses.

During winter, we become more vulnerable to certain ailments. The combination of colder weather and increased time spent indoors with others creates ideal conditions for infections to spread.

Yet identifying the specific illness can prove challenging, as numerous symptoms are shared across conditions. The NHS website notes that Covid symptoms are "very similar to symptoms of other illnesses, such as colds and flu".

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Both conditions can trigger a high temperature, body aches, headaches and nausea, amongst other signs. However, "shortness of breath" is identified by the NHS as an indicator of Covid but not of flu or a cold.

This symptom appears more frequently in cases of illnesses such as Covid or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). An update from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) backs this, citing shortness of breath as a Covid symptom but not characteristic of a cold or flu.

Nevertheless, it's crucial to recognise that if someone fails to recover from flu and their condition worsens, they may begin experiencing breathing problems. This can happen if the individual develops pneumonia, for instance.

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that adults experiencing "difficulty breathing or shortness of breath" should seek medical attention "right away". This appears amongst several "emergency warning signs of flu complications".

The NHS states that COVID-19 symptoms may include:

• A high temperature or shivering (chills) – a high temperature means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)


• A new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours


• A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste


• Shortness of breath


• Feeling tired or exhausted


• An aching body


• A headache


• A sore throat


• A blocked or runny nose


• Loss of appetite


• Diarrhoea


• Feeling sick or being sick

The health service notes: "Most people feel better within a few weeks, but it can take longer to recover. For some people, it can be a more serious illness and their symptoms can last longer."

The NHS website explains that flu symptoms develop "very quickly" and may include:

• A sudden high temperature


• An aching body


• Feeling tired or exhausted


• A dry cough


• A sore throat


• A headache


• Difficulty sleeping


• Loss of appetite


• Diarrhoea or tummy pain


• Feeling sick and being sick

"The symptoms are similar for children, but they can also get pain in their ear and appear less active," the guidance states. It continues: "Flu will often get better on its own, but it can make some people seriously ill.

"It's important to get the flu vaccine if you're advised to."

The primary symptoms of a common cold, also known as rhinovirus, include:

• A blocked or runny nose


• Sneezing


• A sore throat


• A hoarse voice


• A cough


• Feeling tired and unwell

You may also experience:

• A high temperature


• Aching muscles


• A loss of taste and smell


• A feeling of pressure in your ears and face