UK, Worst cold ever, Government data W/E 19th September Download my two comprehensive but free educational text books, with hundreds of illustrations, and / or make a donation to the campbellteaching project using this link: http://159.69.48.3 Ive always got various health related projects on the go https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/sep/24/return-of-the-common-cold-infections-surge-in-uk-as-autumn-arrives https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/syndromic-surveillance-weekly-summaries-for-2021 111 calls for respiratory-type indicators increased nationally Particularly, 1-14 years Also, potential covid-19 assessments, 5-14 year olds Common colds are caused by: 100 different rhinoviruses Respiratory syncytial virus Adenoviruses Four types of coronavirus Influenza Parainfluenza Dr Gary Howsam, vice-chair of the Royal College of GPs we are starting to see a major resurgence of illnesses like common colds, flu and stomach bugs, alongside the Covid-19 virus in the community Symptoms of Covid-19 can often be similar to symptoms of other illnesses such as the common cold. So it’s important that if a patient does experience symptoms of Covid-19, such as a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss or change to sense of smell or taste that they get a PCR test immediately, and on receiving a positive result, self-isolate for the required period of time Dr Yvonne Doyle, medical director at Public Health England Hand washing, ventilation and mask wearing aren’t only important for Covid-19, they keep other bugs at bay too Do I have COVID or a cold? https://covid.joinzoe.com/post/do-i-have-covid-or-a-cold-how-to-tell-the-difference Vaccinated or not Anosmia is one of the most important predictors of testing positive for COVID-19 rather than a regular cold If fully vaccinated (as of 21st September) Runny nose Headache Sneezing Sore throat Anamosa If unvaccinated Headache Runny nose Sore throat Fever Persistent cough Anosmia Other symptoms https://covid.joinzoe.com/post/the-20-symptoms-of-covid-19-to-watch-out-for Chills or shivers Loss or change of taste Fatigue Delirium Skin rash Changes in mouth or tongue Red and sore fingers or toes Shortness of breath Chest pain Muscle pain Hoarse voice Diarrhoea Anorexia Abdominal pains If you feel newly unwell, especially if you’re suffering from any of the common covid symptoms, stay home and get a COVID test, even if you’ve been vaccinated. Lateral flow test https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-analysis-of-lateral-flow-tests-shows-specificity-of-at-least-999 99.9% specificity May be 99.97% Low false positive rate A negative result from a lateral flow test is not totally reliable High false negative rate https://pharmaceutical-journal.com/article/feature/how-reliable-are-lateral-flow-covid-19-tests 72% picked up in those with symptoms 58% picked up in those without symptoms So if your symptoms persist it’s best to get a PCR test