With the ongoing pandemic, it’s natural to worry about any respiratory symptom. COVID-19, the flu, colds, and allergies share some common symptoms, making it tricky to determine the cause. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides guidance on how to differentiate between these illnesses.
A handy table compiled from CDC information shows that COVID-19, the flu, colds, and allergies have overlapping symptoms. Fever, cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue are common to all four.
However, some symptoms are more unique to certain illnesses. Loss of taste or smell is a distinctive symptom of COVID-19.
Gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea are more common in COVID-19 patients across all age groups, whereas they are more typical in children with the flu.
If you’re unsure whether you have the flu or COVID-19, the CDC recommends testing for both. If you can only get tested for one, it’s best to get a COVID-19 test, as it’s more infectious and requires isolation for at least 10 days from the onset of symptoms.
In contrast, if you have the flu, your healthcare provider may prescribe antiviral drugs, and you can return to normal activities 24 hours after your fever subsides without medication.
When trying to determine the cause of your symptoms, consider your exposure to potential triggers. If you’ve been around someone with COVID-19 or have recently traveled, it’s more likely to be the new coronavirus.
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A research review found that fever, chills, and cough are common initial symptoms of COVID-19, but they can also occur with the flu. The key difference is the loss of taste or smell, which is unique to COVID-19.
Colds usually come on gradually, whereas the flu hits more suddenly. Fever, headache, and body aches are less common with a cold than with the flu or COVID-19.
Allergies can also cause shortness of breath, especially if you have asthma. However, allergic rhinitis typically doesn’t involve fever, body aches, or GI symptoms. If you’re suddenly experiencing allergy-like symptoms, check the pollen count to see if it might be the cause.
It’s essential to note that flu rates are down this year, likely due to increased mask-wearing, hand-washing, and physical distancing. If you’ve gotten your flu shot, you should still be aware of your symptoms.
If you’re unsure about the cause of your symptoms, it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional and get tested if necessary.
Healthcare professionals can help determine the cause of symptoms.
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