KUWAIT CITY, Oct 14: Coughs are common this winter — but knowing whether it’s COVID‑19, the flu, or a cold can be tricky. Here’s what experts say to help you distinguish them — and understand what new COVID variants could mean.

COVID is still circulating in the UK, and data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that COVID activity is climbing week by week. As such, public health officials are urging eligible people to take up the COVID vaccine “to ensure optimal protection.”

At the same time, other seasonal illnesses like the flu are on the rise, especially among young adults. Because many respiratory infections share overlapping symptoms, it can be difficult to pinpoint the cause of a persistent cough.

A cough might stem from a cold, flu, or COVID. According to Amir Bhogal, superintendent pharmacist and director of Pyramid Pharmacy Group, the differences often lie in additional symptoms: colds tend to be congestion‑related, flu usually brings strong fever, aches, chills, and fatigue, whereas “COVID is, most commonly, everything all at once.”

The only reliable way to tell is via a test. In the UK, tests remain free for those eligible under NHS rules; otherwise, rapid tests can be purchased at pharmacies or online.

Bhogal also warns against dismissing long-lasting symptoms: “Anything longer than three weeks after symptoms have subsided — particularly if it’s associated with a hoarse voice — should be checked by a doctor.” He noted that patients sometimes misattribute lingering coughs to long COVID, only to discover conditions like whooping cough or secondary bacterial infections.

What’s happening with COVID variants

Two COVID strains currently drawing attention in the UK are XFG (nicknamed Stratus) and NB.1.8.1 (nicknamed Nimbus). The UKHSA reports that Stratus and Nimbus are among the most common variants in circulation. 

So far, there’s no indication these variants cause more severe illness than earlier ones.  Health officials note that viruses mutate constantly — most changes do not make them more dangerous. 

Still, anecdotal reports point to subtle differences in symptoms. Some say Stratus may lead to hoarseness, while Nimbus has been tied to a “razor blade throat” — a particularly sharp sore‑throat sensation. These findings are not yet incorporated into official NHS guidance, but they may reflect how COVID affects individuals differently.

Symptoms and when to seek help

COVID symptoms continue to overlap heavily with other respiratory illnesses, making differentiation without testing difficult. According to NHS guidelines, common symptoms include:

Most people recover at home. But anyone experiencing severe illness or breathing difficulties should seek urgent medical attention.

If you develop a high fever, feel unwell, or aren’t able to carry on with daily activities, NHS advice is to stay home and avoid contact with others — especially vulnerable individuals. When venturing out is unavoidable, “Living with COVID” guidance suggests:

These steps help reduce the risk of spreading COVID or other illnesses.