Many people are complaining of coughs, colds, feeling sick and achy right now as the winter sets in. Lots of them aren't sure exactly what they're suffering from but for GPs, it's no easier to discern exactly what their patients have come down with.
The NHS is warning against a 'tripledemic' of viruses this winter, including Covid, flu and RSV. Many people up and down the country are complaining of familiar, and very similar, symptoms as the cold weather sets in and children mix bugs at school.
The Manchester Evening News spoke to one of the region's top GPs, who explained the reasons why it's hard to know exactly what illnesses are being passed around.
And the doctor shared the 'one key message' to people wanting to stay well over the coming colder months. READ MORE: Wes Streeting promises new hospital plans like North Manchester General will go ahead Over the past few weeks, there has been a surge in cases of the new XEC coronavirus variant, with most indicators showing an increase in Covid-19 incidence.