{"id":141880,"date":"2023-12-01T16:28:14","date_gmt":"2023-12-01T16:28:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/magdelaine.net\/?p=141880"},"modified":"2023-12-01T16:28:14","modified_gmt":"2023-12-01T16:28:14","slug":"im-a-gp-here-are-three-signs-youve-got-a-winter-bug-and-not-covid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magdelaine.net\/lifestyle\/im-a-gp-here-are-three-signs-youve-got-a-winter-bug-and-not-covid\/","title":{"rendered":"Im a GP – here are three signs youve got a winter bug and not Covid"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dr Hilary believes flu is ‘more of a risk’ than Covid this winter<\/h3>\n

Reports of a \u201cbrutal\u201d cold spreading across the UK have emerged in recent weeks, with sufferers describing the symptoms as debilitating. With new Covid variants, such as Pirola, HV.1 and JN.1, circulating, Dr Roger Henderson, GP and Olbas expert, shared how to differentiate between the different illnesses.<\/p>\n

What is the winter bug\/cold currently circulating that some people are describing as \u201cbrutal\u201d?<\/h3>\n

Dr Henderson said: \u201cPredictably, as we make our way through the winter months the cases of people suffering with cold and flu like symptoms will increase. Each case of the common cold or flu is different, so will affect each of us in different ways.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is said that the average adult gets between two and four colds per year, so it could be the case that this is the first cold you have had this year and don\u2019t remember how debilitating it can be.\u201d<\/p>\n

What are the symptoms and how do they differ from a normal cold?<\/h3>\n

Dr Henderson said: \u201cThe symptoms of the \u2018brutal cold\u2019 are directly comparable to that of a normal cold. Patients should expect to feel symptoms like fever, headaches, congestion, coughs, and fatigue. There is very little difference between this \u2018brutal\u2019 cold, and the common cold, but it may last a little bit longer.<\/p>\n

READ MORE <\/strong> Jamie Oliver enjoys this simple chicken broth recipe when he’s got flu<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u201cWhilst we have been out of lockdown and Covid protection for a while, our immune systems are still recovering from the shielding that came with remaining in our bubbles, so colds and flus have felt more severe than they did previously.\u201d<\/p>\n

Could it be a new Covid strain?<\/h3>\n

Dr Henderson said: \u201cCovid has played a part of our lives for almost three years, with various strains being detected throughout that time. It has been said that doctors recently discovered a descendent of the Pirola Variant, which has been found across the UK.<\/p>\n

\u201cSome of the symptoms of the new strain mirror that of a common cold, but there are some differences to look out for such as: headaches, diarrhoea, and vomiting. The best way to check if what you are feeling is Covid or a cold is to test. This will help to put your mind at ease and make sure you are doing all you can to protect others.\u201d<\/p>\n

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