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If you feel that you have the symptoms of COVID-19 it’s important that you test and contact a health professional right away. But COVID-19, the cold, allergies, and the flu cause multiple similar symptoms. How can you tell which is which? We’ll help you understand the symptoms that each illness can cause. As well as how they spread, how they can be treated, and ultimately, prevented.
What is COVID-19 and how does it spread?
COVID-19 is a contagious respiratory illness that results from an infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Typically, it is transmitted among individuals who are near each other. The virus spreads through tiny respiratory droplets, which are expelled when a person breathes, coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can either land in the mouth or nose of someone nearby or be inhaled. There is also a possibility of transmission if you touch a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes, although this risk is relatively low.
The most frequently observed symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and fatigue, although a wide range of other symptoms may also occur.
Today, there are a few medications that have been approved for the treatment of COVID-19, like the antiviral, Paxlovid. However, it's important to note that there is no known cure for this disease, as antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections. Researchers are actively exploring various potential treatments, and some medications may assist in reducing the severity of the illness overall.
What’s the difference between the common cold and COVID-19?
Both the common cold and COVID-19 are illnesses caused by viruses. The most likely cause of the common cold is rhinovirus. COVID-19 and colds share many of the same symptoms. However, there are a few key differences in symptoms, exposure, and severity.
Although both COVID-19 and the common cold have no cure. The cold is usually harmless with most people recovering within 3-10 days.
Check out this chart from the Mayo Clinic below to track your symptoms:
|
Symptom |
COVID-19 |
Cold |
|
Headache |
Usually |
Rare |
|
Cough |
Usually (dry) |
Usually |
|
Muscle aches |
Usually |
Sometimes |
|
Tiredness |
Usually |
Sometimes |
|
Sneezing |
Rarely |
Usually |
|
Sore throat |
Usually |
Usually |
|
Runny or stuffy nose |
Usually |
Usually |
|
Fever |
Usually |
Sometimes |
|
Diarrhea |
Sometimes |
Never |
|
Nausea or vomiting |
Sometimes |
Never |
|
New loss of taste or smell |
Rare today (but previously common) |
Sometimes (especially with a stuffy nose) |
What are allergies and can they be spread?
Allergies are your body's reaction to usually harmless substances called allergens. When exposed to allergens like pollen, dust mites, or certain foods, your immune system may overreact, leading to symptoms like sneezing, itching, and congestion.
Check out this chart from the Mayo Clinic below to track your symptoms:
|
Symptom |
COVID-19 |
Allergy |
|
Headache |
Usually |
Rare |
|
Cough |
Usually (dry) |
Sometimes |
|
Fever |
Usually |
Never |
|
Muscle aches |
Usually |
Never |
|
Tiredness |
Usually |
Sometimes |
|
Itchy nose, eyes, mouth or inner ear |
Never |
Usually |
|
Sneezing |
Rarely |
Usually |
|
Sore throat |
Usually |
Rarely |
|
Runny or stuffy nose |
Usually |
Usually |
|
Pink eye (conjunctivitis) |
Sometimes |
Sometimes |
|
Nausea or vomiting |
Sometimes |
Never |
|
Diarrhea |
Sometimes |
Never |
|
New loss of taste or smell |
Rare today (but previously common) |
Sometimes |
What is the flu and how does it spread?
The flu, or influenza, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It typically spreads through tiny respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or even breathes. These droplets can contain the virus and may land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or be inhaled into their lungs.
Additionally, more than COVID-19, the flu virus can also survive on surfaces for a limited period, so touching objects contaminated with the virus and then touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, or mouth, can lead to infection.
Once the virus enters your body, it can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, fatigue, and headaches. These symptoms can vary in severity.
Like the common cold and COVID-19, the flu is a virus that has no cure. There are antivirals, like Tamiflu(R) or Xofluza(TM), like Paxlovid for COVID-19, that may lead to quicker resolution of symptoms. Additionally, rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications are used to manage symptoms. If symptoms become more severe, consulting a healthcare professional is the next step.
What’s the difference between influenza and COVID-19?
These are very similar, especially because in both cases you can experience zero to severe symptoms during the length of the illness. You can also have both at the same time. Therefore, it’s highly suggested that you test because of their similarities. However, there are some differences.
Check out this chart from the Mayo Clinic below to track your symptoms:
|
Symptom |
COVID-19 |
Flu |
|
Headache |
Usually |
Usually |
|
Cough |
Usually (dry) |
Usually |
|
Muscle aches |
Usually |
Usually |
|
Tiredness |
Usually |
Usually |
|
Sore throat |
Usually |
Usually |
|
Runny or stuffy nose |
Usually |
Usually |
|
Fever |
Usually |
Usually |
|
Nausea or vomiting |
Sometimes |
Sometimes (more common in children) |
|
Diarrhea |
Sometimes |
Sometimes (more common in children) |
|
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing |
Usually |
Usually |
|
New loss of taste or smell |
Rare today (but previously common) |
Rarely |
Avoiding the common cold, flu, and COVID-19
Avoiding the common cold, flu, and COVID-19 involves a combination of preventive measures. Here are some key strategies and examples to help you stay healthy:
1. Practice Good Hand Hygiene:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. It’s best to wash your hands after being in public places, using the restroom, or touching your face, and before eating, handling shared objects, or using public transportation.
2. Use Hand Sanitizer:
- If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to disinfect your hands. Try carrying a small bottle of hand sanitizer in your bag or car for on-the-go use.
3. Wear Masks:
- Wear a mask in indoor public spaces like the mall, public transportation, or crowded events, especially if you are unable to maintain physical distance from others.
4. Maintain Physical Distance:
- Keep at least 6 feet of distance from individuals who are not part of your household, especially in crowded settings.
5. Avoid Touching Your Face:
- Refrain from touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, as this can introduce viruses into your body. Instead, use a tissue or cloth to scratch an itch.
6. Practice Respiratory Hygiene:
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing.
7. Stay Home When Sick:
- If you feel unwell, have cold or flu symptoms, or have been in contact with someone with COVID-19, stay home to avoid spreading the virus.
8. Get Vaccinated:
- Get vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19 to reduce your risk of infection and severe illness.
9. Clean and Disinfect Surfaces:
- Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in your home, such as doorknobs, light switches, and countertops.
10. Stay Informed:
- Stay up-to-date with reliable sources of information regarding COVID-19 and follow local health guidelines.
Remember that these preventive measures are effective not only against COVID-19 but also in reducing your risk of contracting the common cold and flu. By adopting these practices into your daily routine, you can help protect yourself and others from respiratory illnesses.