With warnings that a ‘quad-demic’ of flu, norovirus, RSV and Covid-19 could soon be sweeping the UK, it pays to know your symptoms – the NHS says there are 12 signs to look out for
With damp, cold winter weather looking set to stay for the rest of the year, now is a peak time of year for people to be catching colds, flu and Covid-19.
With warnings that a “quad-demic” could soon be sweeping the UK, it pays to know your symptoms. NHS bosses have warned that there has been an increase in cases of flu, norovirus, RSV and Covid-19 over recent weeks.
Doctors saw 2.31million patients come through emergency department doors in what was the busiest November on record for A&E departments in England. Experts have warned that the health service is facing a “deeply troubling winter” as patients flood in with one of the four infections.
Covid-19 symptoms are very similar to other illnesses such as the colds and flu. Normally recovery takes a few weeks but it can take longer for some people, becoming a more serious illness in some cases.
According to the latest guidance from the NHS, Covid-19 symptoms can include:
- A high temperature or shivering (chills) – this is more likely to appear in Covid than with milder colds for example
- A new, continuous cough – this means you are coughing a lot for more than an hour or you have had three or more coughing episodes in the past 24 hours
- Loss of taste or smell – anosmia (loss of taste or smell) is a commonly known symptom of Covid.
- Shortness of breath – difficulty breathing or shortness of breath is a symptom of Covid, particularly in more severe cases.
- Feeling tired or exhausted – Covid can be known to cause extreme fatigue
- An aching body
- A headache
- A sore throat
- A blocked or runny nose
- Diarrhoea
- Feeling sick or being sick
Another, lesser-known symptom listed by the NHS is loss of appetite. This occurs due to the impact of other symptoms. Sarah Oakley, chief executive of Abscent, a charity supporting people who have lost their sense of smell, told the BBC: “This can have a significant impact on your appetite because you don’t have all those normal cues, the smells and tastes, to get your appetite going.”
If you suffer loss of appetite due to Covid, Sarah recommends: “Try foods with crunchy and smooth elements, or think about different colours and temperatures. That way you get a variety of sensations that’s important when you’ve lost your sense of taste and smell.”
Anyone who thinks they have Covid-19 is advised to take a lateral flow test to be sure. If it turns out you have the virus, the NHS says you should get lots of rest and drink plenty of water. Ibuprofen and paracetamol can help with symptoms. Sufferers are advised to stay home for three days after you test positive.
