Covid or lung cancer – cancer nurse outlines key differences

On the cough in question, Jaques said: ‘Some of the symptoms of Covid and lung cancer can be similar, such as cough, breathlessness, fatigue and recurrent chest infections.’Symptoms of Covid tend to start more suddenly and you might also have a fever, or a loss of sense of taste or smell if you have Covid. It’s important to talk to your GP if you are concerned about your symptoms so that they can assess all your risk factors and symptoms and arrange the right tests.’As a result, it’s key not just to assess the nature of the cough, but the other symptoms present alongside it. Other symptoms of COVID-19 include:• A high temperature• 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 or being sick.Key too is assessing your risk of the virus, something set to come down as the UK approaches Christmas.READ MORE: Bob Mortimer admits he is ‘not very well’ COVID-19 case numbers are falling. (Image: Getty Images)In short, cases are coming down. The feared sixth wave of coronavirus is believed to have peaked with case numbers coming down for the first time in three months and the number of people in hospital with the virus continuing to fall.In a statement, Doctor Mary Ramsay of the UKHSA (United Kingdom Health Security Agency) said: ‘It is hugely encouraging that COVID-19 cases and hospitalisation are still in decline across the UK.’This goes to show how effective the vaccine programme continues to be and we thank everyone who has come forward for their latest vaccination so far. “However, it is still vital that anyone who has not had their booster this autumn does so as soon as possible.’According to figures from the ONS (Office for National Statistics) the number of people testing positive was down 18 percent in the week commencing October 30 compared to the week before.DON’T MISSAvoid four types of drinks to lower risk of blood clots – nutritionist [BLOOD CLOTS]Acholic stools are ‘the most common’ sign of pancreatic cancer [CANCER]Main signs of a chest infection this winter as cases surge [COLD/FLU] The National Covid Memorial Wall opposite Parliament. (Image: Getty) Former Health Secretary Matt Hancock (left) has been criticised for how he acted whilst in office. (Image: Getty)Moving forward into the winter, the hope is the UK will be able to have a Covid free Christmas for the first time since 2019.After Christmas, it is believed the virus will surge once again into a seventh wave, one that virologists hope will be less severe the sixth wave. However, the virus mutating into a more virulent strain cannot be ruled out.As a result, experts are on high alert for new variants which could pose issues and place more pressure on the National Health Service.Said National Health Service is facing a wave of pressures including rising flu cases, staff shortages, strikes, and an ever-lengthening waiting list of patients.