 shows that this year's flu season had begun earlier than normal in the UK. While cases of Covid-19 have dropped in recent weeks, people are still testing positive with the milder Omicron strain. The Office for National Statistics estimated 1.9million Brits had the virus last week after cases dropped by nine per cent. It was the first decline since the end of August and shows the latest surge peaked at just half the size of the July wave. NHS figures also reveal the number of people in hospital beds with the bug has fallen to 7,296 - down by a third in three weeks. Daily admissions have halved in the same time. Dr Mary Ramsay, of the UK Health Security Agency, said: 'The vaccination programme means that Covid-19 cases and hospitalisation rates are still falling across the UK, which is excellent news. 'We need to make sure that we remain protected through the winter.' Many Brits coming down with the bug have said it feels like a 'bad cold', with many struggling with symptoms such as a sore throat and a cough. Colds, flu and Covid are all caused by viral infections of the respiratory system and as all three infections share several similar symptoms, it can sometimes be difficult to tell them apart. Boots Superintendent Pharmacist Claire Nevinson, shared her top tips on how you can determine what's wrong. SPOT THE DIFFERENCE The guru explained: "Common symptoms of both cold and flu include a sore throat, blocked or runny nose, sneezing and coughing. "Cold symptoms tend to be milder and usually clear up within a week. In contrast, flu symptoms tend to start more suddenly, be mor){kind=link}
WE all know someone who’s constantly walking around with a tissue to stop their sniffly nose.
But as temperatures drop and cases of respiratory illnesses like cold and flu increase – it can be hard to know what’s wrong.
Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that this year’s flu season had begun earlier than normal in the UK.
While cases of Covid-19 have dropped in recent weeks, people are still testing positive with the milder Omicron strain.
The Office for National Statistics estimated 1.9million Brits had the virus last week after cases dropped by nine per cent.