A GP has warned about a crucial symptom that could indicate you have COVID-19 rather than a cold or flu. During the winter months, distinguishing between these illnesses can prove challenging, as many symptoms are similar.

However, identifying the correct illness is vital to ensure appropriate treatment. With this in mind, GP and medical director at Midland Health, Doctor Rupa Parmar, has offered her guidance.

She said: "There are some key differences between a common cold, Covid and flu that can easily help you differentiate them. But, if you're still unsure, always consult your doctor. After all, it's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to health."

• Dad, 23, with terminal cancer in tears as bin trucks escort him to his wedding


• Fall asleep in minutes by placing 1 item on your forehead before bed

According to Dr Parmar, a telltale sign of Covid is experiencing shortness of breath. "Shortness of breath is rare in both a cold and the flu, but as Covid more so affects the lungs due to inflammation, it is a common symptom," she said.

The NHS supports this, listing breathlessness as an indicator of Covid rather than flu or a cold. This symptom is more typically associated with conditions such as Covid or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

However, it's worth noting that if someone fails to recover from flu and their condition worsens, they may begin experiencing respiratory problems. This can happen if the individual develops pneumonia, for instance.

Dr Parmar also explained that the types of cough differ between these illnesses. She said: "Coughs are common in all three viruses, but they have differences.

"With a cold, a cough will be mild, while a flu cough will seem dry. With Covid, a cough will be dry and continuous, and many people will cough for more than an hour or have three or more coughing episodes within a day."

Another telltale indicator is the loss of smell or taste. She said: "A loss of taste or smell is a symptom somewhat unique to Covid.

"If you are experiencing either a change in taste or a complete loss, it is most likely that you have the coronavirus. Understanding which virus you have depends on the combination of symptoms and their severity.

"A mild cough and sore throat are unlikely to be more than a cold, a fever and severe fatigue suggest the flu, while a loss of smell or taste and continuous cough point to Covid."

More broadly, she noted that the onset of symptoms can differ. Dr Parmar said: "Symptoms of a cold will appear gradually, whereas flu symptoms come on suddenly, within a few hours, and Covid symptoms may start as mild and progress in severity.

"A cold mostly affects the throat and nose, but symptoms may be all over in both the flu and Covid."

While there are no longer any self-isolation regulations in place, the NHS advises that people should aim to stay at home and minimise contact with others if they or their children exhibit symptoms and either:

• Have a high temperature


• Feel too unwell to attend work, school, childcare, or carry out regular activities

The health service states: "You can go back to your normal activities when you feel better or do not have a high temperature."