A doctor has shared important tips on distinguishing the two illnesses

What you need to know about symptoms of a cold vs Covid

It can be hard to distinguish a cold from Covid as many of the symptoms overlap such as a cough, sore throat, and runny nose. However, there are some "key differences", according to GP and medical director at Midland Health Doctor Rupa Parmar.

According to Dr Parmar, a telltale sign of Covid is experiencing shortness of breath. This is less likely to occur if what you have is a cold. "Shortness of breath is rare in both a cold and the flu, but as Covid more so affects the lungs due to inflammation, it is a common symptom," she told The Mirror .

Her advice is supported by the NHS website , which lists breathlessness as an indicator of Covid rather than flu

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