IS YOUR BAD COLD REALLY THE FLU?

THESE days, a nasty cough and flu-like symptoms seem to point to just one thing: Covid-19.

But the really bad cold and cough circulating at present is neither Covid — nor flu — but is caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), says Professor Ron Eccles, former director of the Common Cold Centre at Cardiff University. ‘I call it the “really stinking virus” because the symptoms can be severe,’ he says.

This virus circulates every year, causing colds in most people but can cause serious chest infections, particularly in babies and the elderly.

‘Because we have had relatively few colds in transmission due to lockdown and social distancing measures for a year or so, our immunity to these viruses is not so widespread and we are all catching severe colds,’ says Professor Eccles.

‘RSV symptoms normally last for a week but the cough can persist for several weeks.’

He admits the symptoms are confusing because both colds and Covid are now circulating.

‘Most people who have been vaccinated are likely to have mild symptoms like a cold when they have Covid so it is not possible to separate Covid from colds just on symptoms,’ he says.

‘If you are staying home with a head cold for a few days until it clears then you probably do not need a Covid test, and only consider one if you start to develop severe symptoms such as difficulty in breathing.’