Is it COVID-19, the flu or a cold?
Many symptoms of a common cold, flu and COVID-19 overlap, including fever, sneezing, cough and fatigue.
Basically, compared to the flu and COVID-19, the common cold is usually a mild illness. Common symptoms include runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, sinus congestion and postnasal drainage.
The flu can cause mild to severe illness or even death. Common symptoms include high fever, sore throat, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, muscle aches or weakness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
One symptom that seems to be unique to COVID-19 is a loss of sense of smell or taste. Other symptoms include high fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, muscle aches or weakness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
However, the only way to know for sure what you have is to be tested.
*Information about COVID-19 is evolving. **Allergies, colds and flu can all trigger asthma, which can lead to shortness of breath. COVID-19 is the only one associated with shortness of breath on its own. Sources: Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, World Health Organization, CDC.
