Symptoms of Covid have officially been expanded by the NHS which may make it harder to differentiate between the virus and other common illnesses.
Cases of coronavirus remain at a high level with Scotland recording an additional 7,315 cases and 31 Covid-related deaths reported in the last 24 hours, according to Scottish Government data.
However, there are a number of illnesses making the rounds throughout Scotland and the rest of the UK.
Many who think they have Covid are actually testing negative despite suffering with a sore throat, blocked nose or even symptoms such as diarrhoea.
Two years of lockdown and limited social mixing has left our immune systems pretty unprepared for what would usually be classed as common winter ailments.
From a bad case of the common cold to the flu, lots of people are feeling ill at the moment.
So how do you figure out the reason you are feeling under the weather?
Is it Covid, a bad cold or simply hay fever?
Here are the signs and symptoms of common illness impacting people up and down the country at the moment.
What are the symptoms of Covid?
According to the NHS's updated list, coronavirus symptoms include:
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
What are the symptoms of rhinovirus?
Rhinovirus is the main culprit behind the common cold. Illness usually starts with:
- a runny nose
- sore throat
- sneezing
- headache
- cough
- muscle aches
Most rhinovirus infections are mild, but they can sometimes lead to bronchiolitis and pneumonia – especially in babies.
What are the signs of a common cold?
Symptoms of the common cold can come on gradually, according to the NHS.
The signs can include:
- a blocked or runny nose
- a sore throat
- headaches
- muscle aches
- coughs
- sneezing
- a raised temperature
- pressure in your ears and face
- loss of taste and smell
The symptoms are the same in adults and children. Sometimes symptoms last longer in children.
Influenza/flu signs and symptoms
According the NHS, symptoms of the flu can come on very quickly and can include:
- a sudden high temperature of 38C or above
- 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
The symptoms are similar for children, but they can also get pain in their ear and appear less active.
Hay fever symptoms
According to the NHS, symptoms of hay fever include:
- sneezing and coughing
- a runny or blocked nose
- itchy, red or watery eyes
- itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears
- loss of smell
- pain around your temples and forehead
- headache
- earache
- feeling tired
If you have asthma, you might also:
- have a tight feeling in your chest
- be short of breath
- wheeze and cough
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
