As temperatures dip and days grow shorter, flu and Covid-19 are making an unwelcome return and health officials are urging the public to stay alert and protected.
A sudden fever. A relentless cough. A hoarse voice that wasn’t there yesterday. You might chalk it up to a common cold, but health experts warn these could be early signs of flu or Covid-19 both of which are now rising steadily across the UK as autumn sets in.
While they share a number of symptoms, these two viruses have distinct characteristics, and knowing the difference could protect you or someone you love from serious illness.
The Flu: Sudden, Severe, and Draining
Flu is no stranger to the UK’s colder months. Unlike the typical cold, which often comes with sneezing and a stuffy nose, flu tends to hit like a freight train fast and hard.
“It arrives with a bang,” say GPs. You’ll likely feel feverish, achy, drained of energy, and possibly unable to get out of bed.
Last winter, flu landed over 8,000 people in hospital, with more than 18,000 deaths linked to the virus over the past two years.
Those most vulnerable include:
- Older adults
- Young children
- Pregnant women
- People with chronic health conditions
- Those with weakened immune systems
Flu and Covid-19 may feel similar at first, but one key difference is how suddenly symptoms appear. If you’re hit with intense fatigue and fever almost overnight, it’s likely flu and that could mean serious risk for vulnerable individuals.
Vaccines: Your Best Defence This Season
Vaccination continues to be the strongest protection against flu, significantly reducing the risk of hospitalisation. Last year, the jab cut severe cases by nearly a third in people over 65, and by more than half in children aged 2–17.
This autumn, the NHS is offering the free flu vaccine to:
- People aged 65 and over
- Pregnant women
- Children aged 2 and 3 via GPs
- School children from Reception to Year 11 (via nasal spray)
- Adults under 65 with health conditions
Don’t wait until it’s too late if you’re eligible, book yours now.
What About Covid-19? Still a Threat in 2025
Covid hasn’t gone away. It continues to evolve, with new variants circulating more quickly and often under the radar.
The latest strain, Stratus, includes two main variants: XFG and XFG.3. Although these variants now mimic mild cold-like symptoms in many, the virus still presents serious risks for older and vulnerable individuals.
Symptoms to look out for include:
- Runny or blocked nose
- Sore or hoarse throat
- Persistent cough
- Fever or chills
- Headaches and fatigue
- Loss of taste or smell
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or diarrhoea
Doctors say one tell-tale sign of current strains is a raspy, hoarse throat, something seen less frequently with earlier variants.
The Covid-19 booster is being offered this autumn to:
- People aged 65 and above
- Care home residents
- Individuals with existing health issues
Are Infections on the Rise?
Yes and the figures back it up.
By 10 September, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported a 7.6% rise in Covid-19 cases across England compared to the previous week. And that’s just the start.
The autumn and winter months are typically when viruses spread more easily, especially in poorly ventilated indoor spaces. Alongside flu and Covid, RSV and norovirus are also expected to surge.
Health officials stress the importance of vaccination not just for personal protection, but to reduce pressure on the NHS and limit outbreaks among the most vulnerable.
Flu vs Covid-19 Symptoms Checklist
This table helps quickly identify whether your symptoms lean more towards flu or Covid-19, especially during the 2025 autumn surge.
| Symptom | Flu | Covid-19 |
|---|---|---|
| Sudden high fever | Yes | Yes |
| Body aches | Yes | Yes |
| Extreme fatigue | Yes | Yes |
| Persistent cough | Sometimes | Yes |
| Sore throat | Sometimes | Yes |
| Hoarse voice | No | Yes (Stratus variant) |
| Runny or blocked nose | Sometimes | Yes |
| Headache | Yes | Yes |
| Loss of taste or smell | No | Yes |
| Shortness of breath | No | Yes |
| Diarrhoea or nausea | No | Yes (possible) |
| Chills or shivering | Yes | Yes |
| Sneezing | Yes | Rare |
| Onset speed | Sudden | Gradual or sudden |
What Should You Do?
If you develop symptoms that feel more intense than a cold especially fever, sudden fatigue, or a hoarse voice — don’t shrug it off.
- Get tested if possible
- Stay home if you’re unwell
- Book your vaccine if eligible
Both flu and Covid-19 can lead to complications. But with awareness, early action, and vaccination, you can avoid becoming a statistic this winter. Stay informed. Stay protected.
