Fever, chills, body aches, and cough. All the symptoms of the common cold, the flu, and COVID-19 are similar. How can you tell the difference? Here's some information to help you better understand the signs, symptoms, and treatments.
CORONAVIRUS OR COVID-19
Coronavirus, or COVID-19, is a new strain of coronavirus not previously seen in humans and is spreading rapidly around the world. Although coronaviruses are quite common and generally cause mild symptoms (like the common cold), some strains of coronavirus, like COVID-19, can cause serious illness.
Older adults and people of all ages with serious health conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes, are at higher risk of developing serious viral illness from COVID-19.
Possible symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- Fever and/or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Tiredness
- Aches and pains
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
The severity of these symptoms ranges from mild to severe. The CDC recommends those who are feeling sick should stay home and away from those who aren't showing symptoms.
SYMPTOM TABLE: WHAT TO WATCH FOR
Symptoms | |||
| Symptoms range from mild to severe | Symptoms appear gradually | Symptoms appear quickly |
Fever | Common | Rare | Common |
Fatigue | Sometimes | Sometimes | Common |
Cough | Common (usually dry) | Mild | Common |
Sneezing | No | Common | Sometimes |
Aches and pains | Sometimes | Common | Common |
Runny nose or nasal congestion | Rare | Common | Sometimes |
Sore throat | Sometimes | Common | Sometimes |
Diarrhea | Rare | No | Sometimes in kids |
Headache | Sometimes | Rare | Common |
Shortness of breath | Sometimes | No | No |
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
COLD
Even if you feel terrible with a cold, symptoms are usually mild compared to more aggressive viruses like the flu. A cold can cause some or all of the following symptoms:
- Nasal congestion or runny nose
- Cough
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Mild body aches
Most over-the-counter medicines are only moderately helpful in treating cold symptoms. A typical cold lasts less than a week, according to the CDC. Most symptoms are not caused by the infection; in fact, they are our immune system's response to fight it.
Most cold viruses go away on their own with rest and time. Your immune system is your best defense against the common cold.
FLU
Seasonal influenza, called "the flu," is still active and usually comes on suddenly. It is a common respiratory infection caused by a virus that affects the nose, throat, and lungs and can anywhere from a few days to less than two weeks.
Some of the most common symptoms of the flu are:
- Fever and/or chills
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Muscle or body aches
- Nasal congestion or runny nose
- Sore throat
- Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults)
The flu vaccine is the best way to prevent the flu. If you've had the vaccine and still get the flu, your symptoms will generally be milder than without the vaccine. Most people with the flu get better without medical treatment. Stay home, rest, drink plenty of fluids, and treat fever with acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin).
It's important to remember that antibiotics don't help with viruses.
Information on this page is not considered medical advice. Please contact your primary care provider for specific medical care guidance and recommendations.
This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. Links to other sites are provided as a convenience, but Select Health does not endorse the third-party sites, information, or services.
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