At this time of the year it is usual to hear a cacophony of sounds including coughing and sneezing - but with so many illnesses around, it can be tricky to tell them apart.
The nation is currently facing a triple threat of rising numbers of Covid, record levels of strep A, and the usual winter flu.
Several symptoms, such as sore throats, can be expected in all the ailments, making it tricky to know for sure what illness people have.
To nail it down, the NHS has listed the full list of each to look out for on its website.
For anyone worried about a loved one who might have one of the infections, here are the symptoms to look out for in each illness:
Covid 19
a high temperature or shivering (chills) – a high temperature means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours
a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
shortness of breath
feeling tired or exhausted
an aching body
a headache
a sore throat
a blocked or runny nose
loss of appetite
diarrhoea
feeling nauseous or vomiting
The NHS said the symptoms of Covid are “very similar” to symptoms of other illnesses, such as colds and flu.
It added: “Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have symptoms of COVID-19 and either a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to go to work or do your normal activities.
“Take extra care to avoid close contact with anyone who is at higher risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19.
“You can go back to your normal activities when you feel better or do not have a high temperature.”
If the symptoms do not fit the litany expected in Covid, it is possible the loved one may be suffering with a winter flu.
Millions come down with the condition every year.
Flu (influenza)
a sudden high temperature
an aching body
feeling tired or exhausted
a dry cough
a sore throat
a headache
difficulty sleeping
loss of appetite
diarrhoea or tummy pain
feeling sick and being sick.
Strep A cases are at record numbers currently, and although most are not serious and can be treated with antibiotics, in rare cases they can cause serious problems.
In that eventuality, it is important to get an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111.
Strep A
flu-like symptoms, such as a high temperature, swollen glands or an aching body
sore throat (strep throat or tonsillitis)
a rash that feels rough, like sandpaper (scarlet fever)
scabs and sores (impetigo)
pain and swelling (cellulitis)
severe muscle aches
nausea and vomiting.
Another ailment usually doing the rounds at this time of the year is the common cold. Again, several of the symptoms are associated with other illnesses but it can be treated without a visit to the GP and people should feel better in around a week.
Common Cold
- a blocked or runny nose
- a sore throat
- headaches
- muscle aches
- coughs
- sneezing
- a raised temperature
- pressure in your ears and face
- loss of taste and smell
