A key critical symptom might suggestyour illness is COVID-19rather than the flu. Healthcare professionals have warned that both illnesses have been increasing in recent weeks.
The US-based CDCThe CDC indicates that adults experiencing "difficulty breathing or shortness of breath" should get medical help "immediately." This was listed among various "emergency warning signs of flu-related complications."
The NHS website in the UK states that the symptoms of Covid are "quite comparable to those of other illnesses, like colds and the flu." Both ailments can cause a high fever, muscle pains, headaches, and vomiting, among other effects.
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Nevertheless, "difficulty breathing" is recognized by the NHS as a sign of Covid, rather than the flu.
This occurs more often in conditions such as Covid or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), according to reports.the Mirror.
However, if an individual is unable to recover from the flu and it worsens into a more serious condition, they may start facing difficulties with breathing. This can occur, for example, if the patient contracts pneumonia.
New data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) showed that flu cases increased from 1.9 percent to 3.3 percent. The rate of COVID-19 in hospitals rose from 11.7 percent the previous week to 12.9 percent. Distinguishingbetween Covid and flu can be difficult without performing a test. Many symptoms are common to both conditions.
Covid symptoms
According to NHS guidelines, the symptoms of COVID-19 may be mild: "Many individuals experience improvement within a few weeks, although recovery can sometimes take longer. In certain cases, the illness can be more severe, with symptoms persisting for an extended period."
Flu Symptoms
As stated on the NHS website, flu symptoms develop "very quickly" and can include:
The symptoms are the same in children, but they may experience ear pain and seem less energetic," the website says. It also notes: "The flu usually resolves on its own, but it can lead to severe illness in certain individuals.
It is crucial to receive the flu shot if you are recommended to do so.
Vaccines
Regarding vaccines, Dr. Jamie Lopez Bernal, a Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: "It's very positive to observe individuals accepting the flu vaccine offer, particularly as we are beginning to notice a rise in cases within our monitoring data."
In recent weeks, there has been a noticeable rise in cases of the flu and COVID-19.
Recent statistics also indicate an increase in individuals requiring hospitalization due to COVID-19, making it more crucial than ever to ensure the safety of at-risk populations.
As we enter the winter season, during which cases are expected to increase, it's important for those who are eligible to accept the offer promptly to safeguard themselves.
We are aware that immunization offers the most effective protection against respiratory diseases like the flu and COVID-19, and this is an easy action you can perform to support your well-being and that of your family during the winter season.
You have the option to book an appointment via the NHS App, your local GP surgery, online at nhs.uk/bookflu or nhs.uk/bookcovid, or by calling 119. Additionally, you can find your nearest walk-in service using the NHS walk-in finder.