Reviewed by GPhC Pharmacist at Priory Pharmacy Clinical Team, York
Quick answer: Colds, flu and COVID-19 are all caused by viruses and share many symptoms, so it can be hard to tell them apart. A cold usually comes on gradually and mainly affects your nose and throat, while flu tends to come on suddenly with a high temperature, aching muscles and exhaustion. COVID-19 can cause any of these symptoms, and a test is the only way to know for sure, although most people no longer need to test unless they are eligible for COVID-19 treatments. If you have a high temperature or do not feel well enough for your usual activities, try to stay at home and avoid contact with others, especially people at higher risk. A pharmacist can recommend over-the-counter medicines to ease your symptoms, but antibiotics will not help because these illnesses are caused by viruses. Contact your GP or NHS 111 if flu symptoms do not improve after 7 days, cold symptoms last more than 3 weeks, or your symptoms suddenly get worse. In York, ask your local pharmacy for advice on managing symptoms and whether you are eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine.
From October to March, it can feel as though everyone in York is sniffling. Colds, flu and COVID-19 all circulate at the same time, and their symptoms overlap. Knowing roughly what you’re dealing with helps you look after yourself properly, protect the people around you and recognise when you need more help.
This guide from the team at The Priory Pharmacy in Acomb walks you through the differences, what to expect day by day and how your pharmacist can help.
Quick symptom guide
| Symptom | Cold | Flu | COVID-19 |
| Onset | Gradual, over a day or two | Sudden, within hours | Can be gradual or sudden |
| High temperature | Rare | Common | Common |
| Runny or blocked nose | Very common | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Sneezing | Very common | Rare | Sometimes |
| Sore throat | Common | Sometimes | Common |
| Body aches and exhaustion | Mild | Common, often severe | Common |
| Cough | Mild, often later | Common, dry | Common |
| Change to smell or taste | Rare | Rare | Sometimes |
Symptoms alone can’t tell you for certain which infection you have. If you’re at higher risk and eligible for COVID-19 treatment, use a lateral flow test.
What to expect, day by day
A cold usually starts with a scratchy throat, followed by a runny or blocked nose and sneezing. It tends to be worse around days 2 to 3 and clears within 7 to 10 days, although a cough can linger.
Flu can hit you suddenly with a high temperature, aching muscles and exhaustion. You may feel too unwell to get out of bed for several days. Most people start feeling better within a week, but tiredness and a cough can last a couple of weeks more.
COVID-19 varies a lot. Some people have mild, cold-like symptoms. Others feel very unwell, with a high temperature and exhaustion. Most people recover within a few days to a couple of weeks.
Looking after yourself at home
For most healthy adults, the treatment is the same whichever virus you have:
- Rest. Your body needs energy to fight the infection.
- Keep warm. Heat your home to a comfortable temperature, especially if you’re older or have a long-term condition.
- Drink plenty of fluids. Water, squash and warm drinks help prevent dehydration.
- Ease symptoms. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can bring down a temperature and relieve aches. Check the labels so you don’t take too much paracetamol, as many cold and flu remedies already contain it.
- Soothe your throat and nose. Try honey and lemon in warm water (not for babies under 1), lozenges, saline nasal spray or steam.
Staying at home
Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have a high temperature or don’t feel well enough to do your normal activities. You can go back to work, college or school when you no longer have a high temperature and feel well enough. If you test positive for COVID-19, try to stay at home for 5 days if you’re an adult, or 3 days for children and young people.
Protecting older relatives
Winter illnesses can be serious for older people and those with long-term conditions. If you’re unwell, avoid visiting relatives in hospitals and care homes. If you live with or care for someone who is vulnerable, wash your hands often, keep your distance where you can, and open a window for a few minutes to let fresh air in. Make sure they have food, medicines and a way to get help if you can’t be there.
How your pharmacist can help
The team at The Priory Pharmacy can:
- recommend the right remedies for you or your child, taking your health and medicines into account
- check whether you’re eligible for the NHS flu vaccine or the autumn COVID-19 vaccine
- supply free lateral flow tests if you’re eligible for COVID-19 treatment
- assess sore throats and sinusitis under Pharmacy First, and supply treatment if needed
When to get more help
Call NHS 111 or contact your GP if:
- your symptoms aren’t improving after 3 weeks
- you have a high temperature that won’t come down
- you have a long-term condition and your symptoms are getting worse
- you’re pregnant and have flu-like symptoms
- you’re worried about a baby or young child
Call 999 if someone is struggling to breathe, has chest pain, has blue, grey or very pale lips or skin, is confused or very drowsy, or has a rash that doesn’t fade when you press a glass against it.
Most winter viruses are unpleasant but pass with rest and simple self-care. If you’re unsure what you’ve got or what to take, pop into The Priory Pharmacy at Priory Medical Centre, Acomb, or call 01904 404101. No appointment needed.
This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice. If you’re concerned about your health or the health of someone you care for, speak to a pharmacist or GP, or call NHS 111.
Frequently Asked Questions
Colds, flu and COVID-19 are all caused by viruses and share many symptoms, so it can be hard to tell them apart. A cold usually comes on gradually and mainly affects your nose and throat, with sneezing, a blocked or runny nose and a sore throat. Flu tends to come on suddenly and often causes a high temperature, aching muscles and exhaustion that can stop you from carrying on as normal. COVID-19 can cause any of these symptoms, and a test is the only way to know for sure whether you have it.
Flu symptoms usually appear quickly and can include a sudden high temperature, aching body, feeling tired or exhausted, a dry cough, a sore throat, a headache and difficulty sleeping. Some people also have a loss of appetite, diarrhoea or tummy pain, or feel sick. Most people start to feel better within about a week, although tiredness can last longer.
Most people no longer need to test for COVID-19. If you are eligible for COVID-19 treatments because you are at the highest risk of becoming seriously ill, you should test as soon as you have symptoms so you can be assessed for treatment quickly. If you are not eligible for free NHS tests, you can choose to buy a test, which may be useful if you plan to visit someone who is vulnerable.
If you have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to go to work, school or your usual activities, try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people until you feel better and no longer have a high temperature. If you test positive for COVID-19, try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for 5 days, or 3 days for children and young people aged 18 and under. Avoid contact with people at higher risk of becoming seriously ill, especially while you have symptoms.
A pharmacist can advise you on how to manage your symptoms and recommend suitable over-the-counter medicines, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease aches and lower a temperature, decongestants for a blocked nose, and remedies for a sore throat or cough. They can check that any medicines are safe to take alongside your regular medicines or health conditions. Antibiotics do not work for colds, flu or COVID-19 because these are caused by viruses.
Contact your GP or NHS 111 if your flu symptoms do not improve after 7 days, your cold symptoms last more than 3 weeks, or your symptoms suddenly get worse. You should also get advice if you are worried about a baby or child, you are pregnant, you are aged 65 or over, or you have a long-term condition or weakened immune system. Call 999 or go to A&E if you have severe difficulty breathing, chest pain, or you are coughing up blood.
Many community pharmacies in York offer the free NHS flu vaccine to eligible adults, including people aged 65 and over, pregnant women and people with certain long-term health conditions. Some pharmacies also offer a private flu vaccine if you are not eligible for a free one. Contact your local pharmacy to check whether they offer the vaccine, who is eligible and whether you need to book.