It’s crucial to tell difference between flu and Covid: GP

With the new season just around the corner and fears of a second wave of coronavirus, many people are likely to be worried about falling ill in the coming months.

But with every little sniffle and runny nose being suspect, it could become pretty hard to know whether you actually have Covid-19 or just a normal cough and cold – or, even, the flu.

Dr Tom Black, of Abbey Medical Practice, says winter will be accompanied by the “usual coughs and colds circulating”.

“However, it will be harder to distinguish between a normal winter illness and Covid so people need to know what the symptoms are and act appropriately,” he added.

Dr Black, who is also chair of the British Medical Association (BMA) in NI, said the recent rise in Covid cases had been expected and this is what we were currently seeing.

“It is, nonetheless, worrying and everyone needs to remember the basics of maintain social distancing, washing hands and wearing a face covering to help slow the spread down,” he said.

“We are also seeing a huge rise in the number of people seeking a test and there are reports of a limited number of slots being available and generally people finding the process difficult. The BMA will continue to press for more slots and increased capacity to analyse tests.”

Dr Black acknowledged that there was some confusion around who should get a test, in particular with relation to children.

“For adults, anyone who has a new continuous cough, a loss of their sense of taste or smell and a temperature of 38 degrees or more should get a test,” he explained.

“If they have been in contact with someone who has had Covid-19, they need to isolate for 14 days - even if they get a negative test result as the illness can take time to present.

“You do not need to see your GP, unless you feel your symptoms are getting worse, or you can’t manage them at home, or if you have serious underlying illness. GP practices are open and you will be able to talk to a GP and, if necessary, see a GP, probably at one of the Covid assessment centres.

“For children, it is the same; if they have a new continuous cough – this means coughing for three or more hours - a loss of smell or taste or a temperature of 38 or more, then they need to isolate and get a test.

“If they have a runny nose and are otherwise well, they do not need a test and do not need to be off school.”