Covid, Flu, and Cold Similarities and Differences
Covid, the flu, and the common cold are all respiratory viruses. That means they primarily attack the upper and lower respiratory systems, which include the sinuses, the throat, and the lungs. They are spread by respiratory droplets that are breathed in or when someone with the virus on their hands touches their eyes, nose, or mouth.
They all cause symptoms that range from mild to severe, though usually, the common cold does not produce as severe symptoms.
Similarities and Differences
COVID-19
- Fever or chills
- Cough (usually dry)
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Muscle aches
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea & nausea (sometimes)
- Loss of taste or smell
The Flu
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Muscle aches
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea & nausea (sometimes)
A Cold
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Fever and fatigue are not as likely and usually mild when present
Loss of taste and smell are also sometimes present in the flu and the common cold, although they usually are due to nasal congestion. Loss of taste and smell do eventually come back for the majority of people after covid transmission.
Itchy eyes, nose, mouth, or inner ear is an indication that you’re dealing with allergies. Allergies also tend to cause more of a scratchy throat than a sore throat. Sneezing is not a common symptom with COVID and the flu, but sometimes present with a cold and a very common with allergies.
Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing are also experienced with the common cold, particularly when it’s a “bad cold.” Most colds are caused by rhinoviruses. RSV or respiratory syncytial virus, is known to be a particularly bad cold virus. Commonly known as a “baby virus,” it can also be hard on adults, particularly the elderly, and those with asthma and COPD.
Recovery from the common cold is usually much faster than that of the flu or covid. It is quite common to recover from a cold within a week, but a particularly bad cold might take two or three weeks to fully recover from. Anti-viral medication is very effective at shortening the duration of the flu when taken shortly after becoming sick.
When Symptoms Appear
Symptoms of COVID-19 usually appear as early as two days after exposure, but may take as many as 14. Infection with a flu virus (Influenza A or B) usually produces symptoms around one to four days after exposure. Cold virus symptoms usually begin one to three days after exposure to the virus.
Preventing Transmission
To prevent transmission of COVID, the flu, colds, and other communicable illnesses, such as strep throat, follow these guidelines:
- Practice frequent handwashing
- Maintain a distance of 6 feet apart from anyone not living in your household
- Avoid touching your hands and face
- Use hand sanitizer when handwashing is not available (it should take your hands approx. 15 secs to dry if you are using enough)
- Wear a mask and avoid crowded places, especially indoors
- Get vaccinated for both the flu and COVID
What to do if you are exposed or suspect you may have COVID or the flu?
There are tests that you can take that can let you know if you have COVID. You can get tested at many pharmacies and at urgent care centers. Urgent care can also test you for the flu. At home test kits are important are convenient in reducing the spread. They produce rapid results to tell you if you or a family member has COVID.
If you test positive, you should isolate yourself. To avoid infecting those you live with, you should try to stay in a separate room and disinfect common surfaces you touch. It is also a good idea to wear a mask if close contact is necessary.
For a Sunrise Family Practice in-office visit at our O’Fallon office or telehealth appointment, call 618-954-7434 today!