Is it a flu, cold or Covid?

Difference between a cold and COVID-19

If you catch a cold, you usually suffer from a blocked or runny nose, a sore throat, and sneezing. You may also have achy muscles and feel fatigued. The symptoms of the COVID-19 variants are often more severe. For example, many people with coronavirus suffer from high fever. Other symptoms of the coronavirus may include:

• Coughing (usually a dry cough)
• Shortness of breath
• Fever
• Loss of smell and loss of taste

When you cough or sneeze, small water droplets enter the air. This is how a virus can spread and infect surfaces. If you inhale these droplets, or get them in your mouth, nose or eyes, you can become infected with a virus. If you have COVID-19, the first symptoms usually appear 5 to 6 days following infection.

Tips for fighting flu and colds

• Get your flu vaccine - One of the best ways to protect your immune system against the flu is to get a flu vaccination, which can be obtained from the NHS, and selected pharmacies.
• Get enough rest - Whether you have the flu or symptoms of a common cold: it is important to give your body enough rest if you are not feeling well. Also try to avoid too much physical exertion. It's important to give your body rest to recover.
• Drink plenty of water - Drinking water is important if you’re not feeling your best. It is important to drink plenty of water, especially if you have a high temperature, as you lose a lot of fluid. Therefore, if you are sick, try to drink 2 litres of water a day. If you can, supplement this with liquids that are rich with nutrition, such as vegetable or chicken soup.
• Use eye drops - If you have a cold or the flu, you can quickly develop dry, burning eyes. To relieve any irritation, you can use eye drops, which will soothe and hydrate eyes. Many eye drops can be used while wearing your contact lenses. Just be sure not to fall asleep in your contact lenses if you’re struggling with increased tiredness, as this is bad for your eyes.
• Eat healthy - Once you're feeling better and want to eat something, choose something that is easy to digest and nutritious. You need to give your body the vitamins and minerals it needs to strengthen itself. For example, a banana is a good source of carbohydrates and fibre.
• Use daily contact lenses - When you’re sick, you may prefer to wear glasses over contact lenses. As soon as you feel a bit better you could choose to wear daily contact lenses . You simply throw away daily contact lenses at the end of the day. The next day, grab a new, clean pair of lenses. This is efficient, and ensures the highest level of optical hygiene.
• Protect others - Not feeling well? Self-isolate and begin social distancing as soon as possible. Avoid social contacts and stay at home. Don't meet up with friends or family and socially distance yourself from home deliveries. Avoid close contact with those you live with, and keep at least a meter distance. Do you think you have COVID-19? Take a lateral flow test, or make an appointment for a COVID-19 PCR test. Then stay home until you have the results and are sure that you do not have the virus.
• Washing hands - Wash your hands well with soap or antiviral hand wash with water regularly. This can drastically reduce the number of virus particles. And should you cough or sneeze without a tissue to hand, be sure to sneeze into the inside of your elbow, and not into your hands.