Cold, Flu or COVID? A GP’s Advice on When to Book a Doctor’s Appointment

It starts the same way for many patients — a tickle in the throat, an annoying cough, maybe a bit of fatigue. You wonder:
Is it just a cold? Do I need antibiotics? Should I test for COVID? Or just rest it off?

As GPs, we see this all the time — especially around seasonal changes. The truth is, minor illnesses often look similar at first, but there are subtle differences that help us decide what’s likely… and more importantly, when it’s worth booking a consultation.

In this post, we’ll walk you through what we tell our patients:

 

• How to tell cold, flu and COVID apart
• When to manage at home
• And when it’s time to see a GP
  
  

 

So… Is It a Cold, Flu or COVID?

Here’s a simplified guide we use to help patients spot the difference.

 

 

 

*Symptoms may vary based upon new Covid-19 Variants and immunisation status 

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/covid-19/it-cold-flu-or-covid-19 #NIAHealth

“Should I Just Rest or Book a GP?”

As a general guide, most viral infections will pass within a few days, be they a cold, flu or Covid-19. However, here’s when we’d recommend seeing a GP:

 

• You’ve had symptoms for 7 days or more without improvement
• You have a high fever that doesn’t respond to medication
• You’re having difficulty breathing or chest pain
• Your symptoms get worse after improving (could be a secondary infection)
• You have underlying conditions (like asthma, diabetes, or a weakened immune system)
• You just want peace of mind or faster answers

 

Why Choose a Private GP?

Many of our patients tell us they’ve struggled to get timely NHS appointments — especially when symptoms don’t feel urgent but are still worrying.

With a private GP at Cornerstone GP Services, you’ll get:

✔️ Same-day or next-day consultations
✔️ Longer, unrushed appointments
✔️ On-the-spot testing and referrals if needed
✔️ The reassurance of speaking to a trusted medical professional quickly

Whether via home visit or via remote consultation, we’re here to help you recover faster — and worry less.

Feeling Unwell? Here’s What to Do Next

If you’re unsure whether it’s something minor or more serious, don’t guess.

Book a private GP consultation today and get expert advice without the wait. Whether it’s a persistent cough, fatigue, or flu-like symptoms — we’re just a call away.

Your health matters — and early action makes all the difference.