Cold and flu symptoms: Should you self isolate if you have a cold?
COLD AND FLU symptoms are very similar to coronavirus, so should you self isolate if you have a cold?
Coronavirus: Expert warns against 'lying' about symptoms
Your tickly throat and cough could be a cause for concern, but what should you be doing? What is the advice for people with cold and flu symptoms?
Do I need to self-isolate if I have cold/flu symptoms?
There is no need to self-isolate if you have a cold or the flu unless the symptoms resemble those of coronavirus- a fever and a persistent cough.
If you are advised to self-isolate for seven days, other members of your household will need to self isolate for 14 days.
You must stay the recommended two metres away from those in your household if you have symptoms.
READ MORE- Coronavirus symptoms: App can let you know if YOU have coronavirus
How do I know if my cold or flu is coronavirus?
According to the NHS, and the World Health Organisation, the most common symptoms of coronavirus are:
- A cough
- A high temperature
- Shortness of breath
You may also experience subtle aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhoea.
Some people develop all of the symptoms, but others only show a few.
New symptoms include a loss of taste or smell.
The main difference between coronavirus symptoms and cold and flu symptoms is the speed.
Coronavirus symptoms come on much slower and can take much longer to recover from.
With a cold, you will feel yourself getting better within a few days, but with a flu you’ll be stuck in bed for a week or longer.