Pharmacist shares how to identify and treat colds, flu and Covid

Colds, flu and COVID-19 are caused by viral infections of the respiratory system, which are more common during the winter months. As these different infections share several similar symptoms, it can sometimes be difficult to tell them apart. They also need to be treated in different ways.Superintendent pharmacist at Boots, Claire Nevinson, shared advice on understanding the differences between colds, flu and COVID-19 and ways to help relieve symptoms.How can I tell if I have a cold, flu or Covid?’Common symptoms of both cold and flu include a sore throat, blocked or runny nose, sneezing and coughing,’ Ms Nevinson said.’Cold symptoms tend to be milder and usually clear up within a week. In contrast, flu symptoms tend to start more suddenly, be more severe and last longer. Common flu symptoms include a fever, aching muscles and chills.’The main symptoms of COVID-19 are a high temperature, a new, continuous cough and loss or change to your sense of taste or smell, but people can also get other symptoms which are very similar to colds and flu.’READ MORE: Alcholic stools are ‘the most common’ sign of pancreatic cancer in ‘initial’ stages Common flu and Covid symptoms include a high temperature (Image: Getty Images)Ms Nevison explained: ‘Whilst there’s no cure for a cold, there are several things you can do to help relieve symptoms.’She recommended:Resting, drinking plenty of fluids and eating a balanced diet, including plenty of fruit and vegetablesTaking paracetamol or ibuprofen to help relieve pain and feverUsing decongestant sprays or tablets to help relieve a blocked noseMedicated throat lozenges can help soothe a sore throatCough medicine.’Not all over-the-counter medicines are suitable for everyone, so make sure to talk to your pharmacist or member of the pharmacy team about which treatments will be most suitable for you,’ she warned.Treating fluMs Nevinson said: ‘In most flu cases, there should be no need to visit your GP.DON’T MISSMenopause and hair loss: Key tips, tricks, and nutrients to prevent ‘permanent’ damage [INSIGHT]Steatorrhoea is ‘key’ symptom of pancreatic cancer that strikes on the toilet [EXPERT]High blood pressure: 12 nitrate-rich foods to reduce hypertension – expert [INFORMER] Taking vitamin D supplements can help prevent winter illnesses (Image: Getty Images) Covid symptoms compared to colds and flu (Image: Express.co.uk)’If you feel your breathlessness is getting worse, go to 111.nhs.uk, call 111 or call your GP surgery for medical advice.’What can be done to support good immunity?’A balanced diet rich in vitamins A, B12, B6, C and D will support the normal function of the immune system’ Ms Nevinson added.’If you are struggling to get these vitamins from your diet, supplements can help.”In fact, the government advises that everyone take a daily 10 microgram vitamin D supplement during the autumn and winter months, as we do not make enough vitamin D from sunlight during this time and cannot get enough vitamin D from food alone.’