Covid symptoms: Is a runny nose a cold or Covid?

The Omicron variant of the coronavirus is still spreading rapidly.

But how can you tell if you have Covid or a cold?

The NHS says people should still be on the lookout for classic Covid symptoms:

However, having Covid can feel “more like a bad cold”, with some people reporting headaches, a sore throat and a runny nose.

Yes. It is possible to get Covid more than once. Two-thirds of people recently infected with Omicron have previously had Covid.

If you think you may have it, it’s still important to get tested. Even people who don’t feel very sick can put others at risk.

A high temperature is 37.8°C or higher, and it can occur when the body is fighting any infection, not just the coronavirus.

If you don’t have a thermometer, check to see if you, or the person you care about, feel warm to the touch on your chest or back.

A high temperature is unlikely with a cold.

If you have a fever, schedule a coronavirus test; You can also use the NHS 111 coronavirus service online.

Cough is common with a cold or flu.

The flu usually comes on suddenly, and sufferers often also experience muscle aches, chills, headaches, tiredness, sore throat, and a runny or stuffy nose. It feels worse than a bad cold.

Colds tend to develop more gradually and are less severe, although they can still make you feel sick. You may sneeze and have a sore throat and runny nose. But fever, chills, muscle aches, and headaches are rare.

A coronavirus cough means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three or more coughing fits in 24 hours.

If you regularly have a cough due to a long-term medical condition like COPD, it may be worse than usual.

You should get tested for the coronavirus if you develop a new, ongoing cough.

These are key symptoms of Covid and mean you should get tested.

You may just have a cold.

But you should check, even if you don’t feel unwell, to avoid the risk of spreading the virus.

Sneezing isn’t a classic symptom of Covid, so unless you also have a fever, cough or loss of smell and taste, the NHS says you don’t need to be tested.

However, droplets from sneezes can spread other infections, so pick them up with a tissue, throw it in the trash, and wash your hands.

To help stop the spread of coronavirus and other illnesses:

The NHS says a runny nose or headache is not a reason to get tested for covid.

But research suggests that some people who test positive for covid have these symptoms.

People in England are no longer legally required to self-isolate if they test positive for Covid, but guidance still recommends people stay home. Anyone who tests positive in the rest of the UK is also being asked to self-isolate.

If someone in your household tests positive, you are encouraged to get tested regularly.

People with Covid have a wide range of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. Some will have none but can still be infectious.

Symptoms can appear up to two weeks after exposure, but it’s usually around day five.

Feeling short of breath can be a sign of a more serious coronavirus infection.

If you are having trouble breathing, contact your doctor or use the NHS 111 coronavirus service online.

If you are very concerned about sudden shortness of breath, call 999.

The NHS also advises:

NHS: How to treat coronavirus at home