Differences between flu and COVID-19 symptoms as vaccine drive brought forward
Watch: COVID-19 and flu autumn vaccination drive brought forward as new variant emerges in UK
The UK's flu and COVID-19 vaccine rollout has been brought forward after the emergence of a new coronavirus variant.
NHS officials have suggested the BA.2.86, which was first mentioned earlier this month, is the most concerning since the arrival of Omicron. Scientists say that while it has mutated, it has not yet been classed as a "variant of concern".
But, following advice from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the Department of Health and Social Care announced that vaccinations would start on September 11, having previously been due to start in October.
Read more: COVID-19 and flu autumn vaccination drive brought forward as new variant emerges in UK (Sky News, 2-min read)
People have been urged to take up the offer of the vaccines as soon as they are invited to come forward. For a full list of those to be offered both flu and COVID-19 vaccines visit NHS England.
Read the latest on the flu vaccine and COVID-19
Flu jab: Who's eligible for the NHS vaccine rollout and how to book (Yahoo Life UK, 5-min read)
Should we wear masks again? Covid guidelines experts recommend (The Independent, 4-min read)
‘Surge’ booster plan to tackle ‘most concerning Covid variant since omicron’ (The Telegraph, 3-min read)
Differences between flu and COVID-19 symptoms
Signs for both COVID-19 and the flu are very similar, and can be hard to distinguish between, so here's a look at how each virus might present in you.
What is flu and what are the symptoms?
The flu is a contagious respiratory disease caused by influenza viruses. Similarly to COVID-19, it is spread by droplets from an infected person coughing, sneezing or talking.
Flu symptoms, according to the NHS include:
a sudden high temperature
an aching body
feeling tired or exhausted
a dry cough
a sore throat
a headache
difficulty sleeping
loss of appetite
diarrhoea or tummy pain
feeling sick and being sick
While flu will often get better on its own, some can get seriously ill, which is why it's important to protect yourself with the NHS vaccine if you're advised to.
Symptoms present similarly in children, though they can get pain in their ear and seem less active too.
What is COVID-19 and what are the symptoms?
COVID-19 is also a contagious respiratory illness, but is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, a form of coronavirus.
As per the NHS, symptoms include:
a high temperature or shivering (chills)
a new, continuous cough
a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
shortness of breath
feeling tired or exhausted
an aching body
a headache
a sore throat
a blocked or runny nose
loss of appetite
diarrhoea
feeling sick or being sick
These are thought to be similar between adults and children.
Since the start of the pandemic, the most common COVID symptoms have changed for a few reasons, including the introduction of vaccines and the emergence of new variants.
According to the most recent data from the ZOE Health Study, from the 30 days before December 5th, 2022, the top symptoms reported by contributors with positive COVID tests are:
a sore throat
a runny nose
a blocked nose
sneezing
a cough without phlegm
a headache
a cough with phlegm
a hoarse voice
muscle aches and pains
an altered sense of smell
The UKHSA on gov.uk, currently states: "The symptoms of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections are very similar. It is not possible to tell if you have COVID-19, flu or another respiratory infection based on symptoms alone. Most people with COVID-19 and other respiratory infections will have a relatively mild illness, especially if they have been vaccinated."
What to do if you have flu or COVID-19
If you have flu, rest and sleep, keep warm, take recommended doses of paracetamol or ibuprofen and drink plenty of fluids.
Ask for an urgent GP appointment or call NHS 111 if any of the following apply:
you or your child have symptoms of flu and you're worried about your baby's or child's symptoms
you're 65 or over, you're pregnant, you have a long-term medical condition
you have a weakened immune system
your symptoms don't improve after seven days.
If you have COVID-19 symptoms, call NHS 111 if:
you're feeling worried or unsure what to do
you're worried about a baby or child under five
For either, try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to do your normal activities (taking extra care to avoid those at high risk).
Call 999 or go to A&E if:
you get sudden chest pain
you have difficulty breathing
you start coughing up a lot of blood
your child seems very unwell, is getting worse or you think there's something seriously wrong
For more information see the NHS flu website or the NHS COVID-19 website.