Boots Pharmacist Janky Raja shares her advice on helping to tell the difference between the flu, the common cold, and COVID-19 as we head into the winter months.

“Flu, the common cold and coronavirus (COVID-19) are all illnesses caused by a viral infection of the respiratory system so it is not surprising that they share many common symptoms and can be difficult to tell apart.

“The main symptoms of COVID-19 are a high temperature, a new, continuous cough and loss or change to your sense of taste or smell.  If you have any of these symptoms, get a test as soon as possible and stay at home until you get the result.  If you have other symptoms that you are not sure about and want to find out what to do, use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service (or local equivalent) for more advice.”

If you think you may have symptoms of coronavirus, you and anyone you live with must self-isolate until you get tested and receive a negative result. This also applies to anyone in your support bubble (where someone who lives alone - or just with their children - can meet people from one other household).

You’ll need to be tested in the first five days of having symptoms. Book a visit to a test site or order a home test kit if you cannot get to a site.