Overview
- NHS guidance identifies shortness of breath as a sign of Covid-19, not a typical feature of flu or the common cold.
- An update from the UK Health Security Agency reiterates that shortness of breath aligns with Covid rather than routine flu or cold symptoms.
- The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises adults with difficulty breathing or shortness of breath to seek urgent care right away.
- Reporters note that severe flu or complications such as pneumonia can also cause breathing problems, so this symptom should prompt clinical evaluation.
- Health officials say respiratory illnesses are increasing into winter, with UKHSA tracking rising Covid activity and circulating variants.