Symptoms of ‘super cold’ spreading across UK and how to tell if it’s Covid

An increasing number of people are calling 111 and their GP after being struck down with symptoms of a so-called ‘super-cold’.

The UK Health Security Agency has reported a rise in calls to 111 about colds and flu, a cough, or difficulty breathing above expected levels, particularly among patients aged between 15 and 44.

GP services have also seen an increase in patients seeking help with lower and upper respiratory tract infections.

The rise in calls related to cold and flu symptoms comes as many people have complained on social media of suffering with the “worst cold ever”.

Public Health England (PHE) is assessing the possible ‘super cold’ but has said there is currently no spike in confirmed flu-like symptoms.

What is a super cold?

Common colds and flu-like symptoms are expected during this time of year, so it is not unusual that many people have contracted a seasonal bug.

However, health experts have said that people’s immunity to viruses is likely to have waned during the last 18 months of lockdown restrictions and social distancing, as we have been less exposed to these bugs than normal.

As such, this has led to a lot of people experiencing more severe cold and flu-like symptoms than normal, with sore throats, headaches, coughing and runny noses among the most commonly reported ailments.

Professor Neil Mabbott, personal chair in immunopathology at The Roslin Institute & Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, said it is “unlikely” that there is a “super cold” in circulation, with the rough symptoms instead being a result of weakened immunity due to lockdown measures.

He explained: “This highlights the power of the lockdown, mask wearing, social distancing and sanitation measures introduced in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.