With Covid-19 cases rising again in Ireland, people may be tempted to judge their illness by how they feel, but experts warn that symptoms can overlap
05:00, 18 Oct 2026Updated 08:12, 18 Oct 2026
It can be hard to tell the difference between Covid and the flu(Image: Getty Images)
Experiencing a sore throat, headache and muscle aches can leave you questioning whether you’ve come down with a seasonal bug or something more serious.
With Covid-19 infections on the rise once more across Ireland, people might be inclined to self-diagnose based on how they’re feeling, but medical professionals warn that symptoms frequently overlap.
‘American Covid’, the latest strain of the virus, now accounts for more than half of all cases in Ireland. The XFG variant was first detected in January 2025 and earned its nickname after spreading rapidly across the United States last year. The strain is now responsible for 55% of cases here in Ireland.
Dr Neel Patel, Associate Medical Director at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, suggests that the duration and progression of an illness might provide some indication, though these factors alone cannot definitively identify which infection you’re dealing with.
Symptoms overlap between the two illnesses(Image: unaihuiziphotography)
He explained: “People with flu normally feel very unwell for two or three days and will continue to experience symptoms for around another five days.
“After that, you may feel tired and run down for a further two or three weeks. However, people with coronavirus usually begin to show symptoms five to six days after being exposed, and symptoms commonly last up to two weeks.”
Dr Patel also warned that the two illnesses can be difficult to distinguish, stating: “It can be difficult to tell coronavirus apart from the flu as they share many of the same symptoms; however, they may feel more intense than having the flu.”
The NHS lists fever, cough, tiredness, aches, headache and a sore throat amongst potential Covid-19 symptoms, many of which can also present with flu, reports the Mirror.
Just take a lateral flow test(Image: © 2022 Yiu Yu Hoi)
The only dependable method of checking for Covid-19 is to take a test, rather than relying solely on how long symptoms last. Dr Patel noted: “While Covid-19 tests are no longer freely available on the NHS, you can still buy lateral flow, PCR and antibody tests online.”
Free testing remains accessible through certain pharmacies for those eligible for Covid-19 treatment, while others are able to purchase tests from pharmacies and retailers.
Dr Patel advises that urgent medical attention is required for difficulty breathing at rest, confusion, loss of consciousness or unusual drowsiness, persistent chest pain or pressure, cold or blue-tinged skin, or a sudden loss of speech or movement. The NHS recommends calling 999 for severe breathing difficulties, sudden chest pain, collapse or other potentially life-threatening symptoms.
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