Interactive tool
Is it a cold, flu or COVID-19?
Use this if you have a cough, temperature or blocked nose and want the most likely pattern — and whether to self-care, use 111, or call 999. It cannot diagnose you. If breathing or chest pain is severe, skip the questions and call 999.
Colds usually come on gradually and stay in the nose and throat. Flu usually comes on fast and knocks you into bed. COVID-19 can look like either. Antibiotics do not treat any of them.
How do cold, flu and COVID-19 usually differ?
You often cannot tell them apart at home. Use the pattern as a starting point, then follow NHS advice if you are at higher risk or getting worse.
| Pattern | Typically | First step |
|---|---|---|
| Cold | Gradual; nose and throat; you can often keep going | Pharmacist, rest, fluids. See common cold |
| Flu | Sudden; high temperature, aches, exhaustion | Rest at home. See flu. 111 if higher risk or worse after a few days |
| COVID-19 | Can mimic either; cough, temperature, smell/taste change | Follow current NHS COVID-19 advice. See COVID-19 |
| Emergency | Severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, confusion | Call 999. See when to get help |
A cough can linger after a viral illness. See a GP if it lasts more than 3 weeks, or you cough up blood. Read the cough guide.
Common questions
- Can this tool tell me which virus I have?
- No. Cold, flu and COVID-19 overlap. It points to the most likely pattern and the right NHS door. Testing and clinical advice still sit with NHS services, not this page.
- Do I need antibiotics?
- Not for a typical cold, flu or COVID-19. Those are viral. Antibiotics do not help unless a clinician finds a bacterial complication.
- Should I still go to work?
- Stay at home if you have a high temperature or feel too unwell for usual activities. Flu and COVID-19 more often leave you exhausted. Follow current NHS advice if you have tested positive for COVID-19.