Well being officers are warning of a seasonal surge in flu and Covid-19 as autumn arrives.
When a sniffle appears to progress additional than “only a chilly”, it’s exhausting to know what it is perhaps.
The 2 viruses share many signs, making it troublesome to inform them aside – however there are variations in how they seem and the dangers they pose.
How do I do know if I’ve the flu?
When a sniffle appears to progress additional than ‘only a chilly’, it’s exhausting to know what it is perhaps (Getty/iStock)
Flu is a respiratory an infection that strikes hardest in winter and will be way more debilitating than the frequent chilly. Whereas colds sometimes convey a runny nostril, sneezing, watery eyes and gentle throat irritation, flu tends to reach out of the blue with fever, aches and exhaustion.
Final winter alone, the flu despatched greater than 8,000 folks to hospital. Over the previous two years, a minimum of 18,000 deaths within the UK have been linked to the virus. Youngsters, older adults, folks with long-term well being issues and people with weakened immune methods face the best dangers.
Vaccination stays the strongest defence. Analysis reveals that final 12 months’s jab prevented 1000’s of extreme instances, slicing hospital admissions by virtually a 3rd amongst over-65s and by greater than half amongst kids aged 2 to 17.
This autumn, the flu vaccine is being provided free to these over 65, pregnant girls, kids aged 2 and three via their GP, and schoolchildren from reception to 12 months 11 by way of nasal spray. Adults below 65 with sure well being situations are additionally eligible.
How do I do know if I’ve Covid-19?
Covid-19 continues to trigger critical sickness, significantly amongst weak teams. The virus is consistently evolving, with new variants spreading simply via coughs, sneezes and even dialog.
Vaccination campaigns every autumn proceed to attempt to forestall hospitalisations and deaths.
Specialists say vaccinations are one of the simplest ways to guard in opposition to the harms of Covid-19 (Getty)
The checklist of signs has shifted since 2020. Many individuals now expertise what appears like chilly signs, equivalent to a runny nostril, sore throat or blocked sinuses. However others nonetheless report fever or chills, a persistent cough, fatigue, complications, shortness of breath, or a lack of style and odor. Abdomen points equivalent to nausea and diarrhoea also can happen.
Medical doctors say a hoarse throat has develop into one of many hallmark options of the most recent variants.
The brand new pressure, known as Stratus, has two variants, XFG and XFG.3.
Regardless of accounting for a big proportion of recent instances, consultants usually are not involved concerning the unfold, noting it’s regular for viruses to mutate and alter.
These aged 65 and over, care dwelling residents, and other people with underlying well being issues are all entitled to the Covid-19 booster.
Are instances climbing now?
In response to the UK Well being Safety Company, ranges of flu and Covid-19 could possibly be on the rise operating into winter, becoming a member of different seasonal bugs equivalent to RSV and norovirus.
By 10 September, the UKHSA famous a 7.6 per cent improve in coronavirus instances throughout England in comparison with the earlier week.
Specialists say the danger is highest through the colder months when viruses unfold extra simply indoors.
Officers are urging everybody eligible to take up their vaccines to cut back the pressure on hospitals and shield probably the most weak. Each flu and Covid-19 will be critical, however prevention and early consciousness stay the very best instruments in opposition to them.
