Covid, flu, or cold: how to tell the difference

Feeling sick can be stressful. Not only are you physically unwell, but it isn’t always clear what the root of the problem is. Early symptoms are often similar between Covid-19, the flu, and the common cold, leaving you wondering just how severe your situation might be. 

This guide will explore the differences between these three unpleasant afflictions and help guide you on a path to understanding what’s plaguing you. However, keep in mind that every case is a little different, and the only sure way to know if you have Covid-19 is to get tested.

Is it just a cold?

While their severity tends to be drastically different, both Covid-19 and the common cold are caused by viruses. SARS-CoV-2 causes Covid-19, while an assortment of rhinoviruses cause colds. In the early stages of sickness, it isn’t always clear what you’re dealing with.

Shared symptoms between colds and Covid-19 include coughing, congestion, a stuffy nose, fatigue, and muscle aches. While these symptoms are almost always present for Covid, they are usually spottier with common colds. Regardless, they are inconclusive, but they act as early indicators.

If you find yourself sneezing a lot, you’re more likely to have a cold. Covid very rarely causes sneezing. Coughs also tend to be drier with Covid, so if you’re hacking up phlegm and fluid, a cold is also more likely.

Fevers are almost always present in Covid-19 cases, but they are occasionally present in cold cases, so if you’re fever-free, you most likely have a cold. If you suffer from nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, you’re likely dealing with Covid, as these symptoms are incredibly rare for colds.

You may not be sure when you contracted a virus, but if you have some idea, that can also offer a clue. Cold symptoms tend to set in within a day or two of exposure, but Covid symptoms may not set in for up to two weeks. Covid also lasts longer. In severe cases, Covid symptoms can last more than six weeks. Colds tend to fade away entirely after about a week.

Do I have the flu or Covid?

The flu is a viral infection caused by the influenza A or B virus. Because its symptoms overlap so thoroughly with Covid, these two afflictions are likely the most commonly confused. Beware that it is possible to be infected with both simultaneously, which greatly increases the chance of severe symptoms.

Both infections can display a wide variety of symptom severity, including no symptoms at all. If you suspect you have one or the other, it’s worthwhile to get tested to be sure.

Both Covid-19 and the flu usually result in coughing, fatigue, congestion, aching muscles, sore throat, fever, and breathing difficulties. Both sometimes result in nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. 

One key difference between the two is that Covid sometimes results in a loss of taste and smell, while this is incredibly rare for the flu. Covid is also a more serious illness overall, sometimes leading to serious complications like blood clots or multisystem inflammatory syndrome.

Flu symptoms also tend to start sooner after infection, usually within the first four days, while Covid-19 symptoms can be delayed by up to two weeks in some cases. This also often results in Covid-19 being contagious for longer. On average, Covid-19 spreads for about eight days after symptoms begin.

Could it be something else?

If you feel sick, but none of the criteria for Covid-19, the flu, or the common cold seem to apply to your symptoms, something else could be going on. Many people commonly mistake allergies for these illnesses. Despite not being a contagious viral infection, many allergy symptoms resemble cold, flu, and Covid-19 symptoms, including congestion, breathing trouble for asthmatics, sore throat, and a cough.

Some people who don’t have a strong history of allergies are caught off guard by these symptoms and assume the worst, but allergies can sometimes spring up unexpectedly. One strong indicator that allergies are to blame for your symptoms is that they go away when you’re no longer exposed to whatever allergen is causing problems. If symptoms begin when you’re outside and are alleviated when you enter a well-ventilated home, a virus probably isn’t to blame. Antihistamines, nasal steroids, and decongestants can fix you up.

Are you vaccinated?

If you’re fully up to date with your Covid-19 vaccinations, you may assume that your symptoms must be related to the flu or a cold. Unfortunately, this isn’t always true. Fully vaccinated individuals are still at risk for catching Covid-19. However, being vaccinated both lessens your chances of contracting the virus and your chances of developing severe symptoms if you are infected. It’s important to get vaccinated regardless!

When in doubt, visit Great Salt Plains Health Center

Whatever illness is troubling you, Great Salt Plains Health Center can help. Find a clinic near you and book an appointment today. We also offer dental, behavioral, psychiatric and women’s health services.