Coronavirus Symptoms: Is It COVID-19 or a Cold?

Covid-19: The Key Symptom That Distinguishes It From Cold and Flu

A general practitioner in Britain has issued a warning about an underlying symptom that may strongly indicate that you have been infected with the Corona virus Covid-19, and not just a cold or flu. With the advent of winter,the symptoms of thes respiratory diseases overlap,making it more difficult to distinguish between them.

Dr. Rupa Parmar, general physician and medical director at Midland Health, stressed the importance of knowing the exact nature of the disease to ensure receiving the most appropriate treatment, according to the British Express newspaper.

Parmar explained that the most prominent sign that can reveal infection with Covid-19 is shortness of breath, noting that this symptom rarely occurs in cases of cold and influenza.

She added: “Covid affects the lungs more due to inflammation,so shortness of breath is a common symptom.”

The National Health service (NHS) supports this opinion, as it classifies shortness of breath as a symptom associated with Covid-19, and not with influenza or the common cold, and this symptom is also observed in other respiratory diseases such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Though, Parmar points out that if the patient does not recover from the flu and his condition deteriorates, he may develop difficulty breathing, as happens when the disease develops into pneumonia.

Parmar also discussed the difference in cough patterns between these diseases, stressing that cough is common in the three viruses, but its type and severity may differ.

An notable sign that must also be monitored is the loss of the sense of smell or taste, which is a symptom associated almost exclusively with the Coronavirus.

“If you notice a change or complete loss of your sense of smell or taste, COVID-19 is often the cause,” she said.

She explained that determining the type of virus depends on the group of symptoms and their severity, adding that colds usually focus on the throat and nose, while symptoms are more extensive in cases of influenza and Covid-19.

What to do if you have Covid symptoms?

Although ther are currently no mandatory isolation rules, the NHS recommends:

* Try to stay home and avoid mixing with others if you or your child has Covid symptoms.
* Rest if you have a high temperature.
* Avoid going to work,school,or daily activities if

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