Symptom differences between Omicron, Delta, the cold and flu revealed

As cases of the Omicron variant continue to rise across the UK, many people are still unsure as to whether their symptoms are a sign of Covid, the common cold or the flu.

These viruses all share remarkably similar symptoms but, as cases soar and people are forced to self-isolate over Christmas, it is important to be able to tell the determine whether you have a cold, the flu, or one of the Covid variants.

Yet while it can be difficult to differentiate the symptoms caused by these viruses, each one has its own unique symptoms worth looking out for.

Here’s what the NHS has outlined:

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The common cold

According to the NHS, symptoms of a cold come on gradually, and are the same in adults and children, though symptoms sometimes last longer in children. Symptoms 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 flu

The NHS says the flu can bring on a range of symptoms, though a high temperature and fever is the most common. Children experience the same symptoms though they can last longer. Symptoms include:

• a sudden fever – a 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

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Delta variant of Covid

According to the NHS, the main Covid-19 symptoms are a high temperature, a new and continuous cough and a loss of taste and smell.

However, the symptoms of the Covid variants differ slightly depending on vaccination status. According to the Zoe App, the symptoms for the Delta variant in vaccinated people are:

• headache
• runny nose
• sneezing
• sore throat
• loss of smell

The symptoms for those who are unvaccinated are:

• headache
• sore throat
• runny nose
• fever
• persistent cough

Omicron variant of Covid

Using the most recent data from London, where Omicron cases are higher than other regions of the UK, ZOE data scientists found that the top 5 symptoms are:

• Runny nose
• Headache
• Fatigue (mild or severe)
• Sneezing
• Sore throat

Loss of appetite, brain fog and night sweats were also identified as common symptoms.