During the winter months, several viruses including flu, RSV, COVID-19, and norovirus circulate widely, often causing overlapping symptoms. However, there is one distinct symptom related to eating that can help differentiate COVID-19 from these other illnesses.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reports that a change in the sense of taste or smell is a key indicator that you may have contracted COVID-19. While many symptoms such as cough, fever, and fatigue are common across various infections, losing or experiencing altered taste and smell is more uniquely linked to COVID-19.
The UKHSA highlights that COVID-19 symptoms have evolved but still often include cold-like signs such as a runny nose and sore throat, alongside more specific symptoms like fever, chills, persistent cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, headache, nausea, diarrhea, and notably, changes in taste and smell.
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Comparatively, flu usually presents with severe cold symptoms, including sneezing, watery eyes, fever, and body aches. RSV typically causes cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, tiredness, and fever. Norovirus symptoms primarily involve nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and may also include fever and aches.
Recognizing a change in taste or smell, especially when eating, can be a crucial clue that you may have COVID-19. Even though self-isolation is no longer mandatory, the NHS advises those with symptoms to stay home and limit close contact to prevent spreading the virus.
Staying informed about these symptoms can help you take appropriate action during the winter season and protect yourself and others.