COVID or flu? Here's how to tell the difference

COVID or flu? Here's how to tell the difference

Flu, colds and COVID can look similar – here’s how to tell them apart

Kate Ng

Emma Clarke

Jennifer McShane

Updated

Mon, December 15, 2025 at 12:50 PM UTC

4 min read

With COVID and flu symptoms so similar, it can be hard to tell which one you have without testing. (Getty Images)

As winter settles in, it’s not just the colder mornings and darker evenings making people feel a bit off – it’s the sudden surge in seasonal illnesses too. Many of us are battling scratchy throats, blocked noses and that run-down feeling that always seems to arrive ahead of Christmas.

But this year, flu season has escalated far more quickly than expected. Last week, it was reported that the number of flu patients in hospitals in England had hit a record high for this time of year, with an average of 2,660 patients in hospital each day – a 55% jump in just seven days.

Cases are also reported to be more than 50% higher than they were last winter, putting extra strain on NHS services.

Additionally, the usual winter bugs and respiratory infections are circulating widely and COVID continues to persist in the background.

So, if you’re feeling unwell and unsure what’s causing it, here’s a simple guide to help you make sense of your symptoms – and what steps to take next.

Differences between flu and COVID symptoms

Man with flu symptoms. (Getty Images) — While flu often gets better by itself, some can become seriously ill. (Getty Images)

What is flu and what are the symptoms?

The flu is a contagious respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses. Similarly to COVID, 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 and what are the symptoms?

Woman with COVID-19 symptoms. (Getty Images) — A headache and runny nose are some of the main symptoms of COVID. (Getty Images)

COVID 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.

When the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) first reported the Nimbus variant in England, it outlined that there wasn't enough evidence to suggest any new symptoms.

However, some doctors associated the Stratus variant with hoarseness – a scratchy or raspy voice.

Close up photo of senior patient arm with doctor`s hands making injection. Elderly patient wearing mask to stop coronavirus spread. Covid 19 vaccination. Old people. Elderly virus protection. — Don't delay in getting free COVID-19 or flu jabs this winter if advised or invited. (Getty Images)

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

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