Overview
With the arrival of the cold and flu season, it is difficult to differentiate whether you are suffering from COVID-19 or not. Here in this blog, we’ll share useful information to better understand the signs and symptoms of flu, allergy, cold, and COVID-19.
Summary
- Millions of people in the world are suffering from cough and sneezing and are confused whether they are symptomatic of allergy or COVID-19.
- All the viral illnesses act similar to fever, aches, and respiratory issues. It is difficult to differentiate between coronavirus and viral diseases just based on symptoms.
- One of the most common symptoms of flu is a headache, while the loss of taste or smell is also a sign of COVID-19.
- Symptoms caused by seasonal allergies include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, headache, shortness of breath, congestion, and fatigue.
- Usually, signs of the common cold are mild compared to other aggressive viruses, including COVID-19 and flu.
- The only way to Differentiate Between allergy or COVID-19 is through testing.
An Overview on Cough, Cold and Fever
Fever, cough, and body aches are symptoms of cold, seasonal allergies, flu, and a newly discovered type of coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. Cold and flu season has arrived, and the new coronavirus is still spreading rapidly. A sore throat or cough was considered a prominent symptom of the flu or the cold in the past. You may get worried about whether you have COVID-19 or not. It is critical to Differentiate Between allergy or COVID-19 conditions. How do you understand the difference?
For the millions of people suffering from cough or sneezing, it is confusing to understand if they are symptomatic of allergy or COVID-19. Following are some of the different points to guide you whether you are experiencing allergies, cold, or the flu, or you should call your healthcare provider and get tested for COVID-19.
How to Tell the Difference Between Covid-19 and the Flu?
It is hard to differentiate between COVID-19 and the flu just based on symptoms. These are viral illnesses and acts similar to fever, aches, and respiratory issues. The only method to Differentiate Between allergy or COVID-19 through testing.
Symptoms Caused by Flu
Seasonal influenza is a common respiratory infection caused by a virus affecting your nose, lungs, and throat. It may last from 5 to 7 days and has several symptoms similar to the COVID-19. Some of the signs may differ. Headaches are more related to the flu, while loss of taste or smell would point towards COVID-19. Some other common signs and symptoms related to flu are as follows:
- Fever or chills.
- Dry cough.
- Body aches and pains.
- Runny or stuffy nose.
- Sore throat.
Some people also become the victim of diarrhea or vomiting, though this is more prevalent in children as compared to adults.
Ways to Know If You Are Suffering From Seasonal Flu
In order to confirm if you are suffering from seasonal flu, it is required to get tested. You need to call your healthcare provider and get an appointment for a virtual visit to see if testing is necessary in your case or not.
Most Common Symptoms Associated with Allergy
With the onset of the spring season, some people may suffer from conditions such as itchy eyes and runny nose. There are chances that you might have a cold, but it could also be a symptom of seasonal allergy. Here are some of the most common symptoms you need to look for:
- Sneezing and coughing.
- Runny or stuffy nose.
- Itchy or watery eyes.
- Shortness of breath.
- Itchy nose or ears.
- Mild fatigue.
The only difference between seasonal allergies and COVID-19 is that allergies do not cause chills and fever. On the other hand, COVID-19 doesn’t cause watery and itchy eyes. This is considered to be one of the most common symptoms used to compare between the two conditions.
Allergies do not come out of the blue; you may already have experienced them in the past. But still, you need to be careful and assess your symptoms closely. Immediately get medical help, and get tested for COVID-19, if required.
Symptoms Caused by Cold
Usually, symptoms of the common cold are mild as compared to other aggressive viruses, including COVID-19 and flu. But you need to take it seriously, as even a mild cold can cause asthma symptoms. Some common symptoms of cold may include:
- Runny or stuffy nose.
- Sore throat.
- Mild cough.
- Watery eyes.
- Aches and pains.
Symptoms of COVID-19
COVID-19, a new strain of coronavirus, also known as SARS-COV-2, is a respiratory illness, adversely affecting your lungs. In most patients, fever and dry cough are the most predominant symptoms. The infection started to spread worldwide in December 2019. Vaccine for COVID-19 is still under process, and currently, there is no cure to get recovered from this deadly virus. You may need to look for the following symptoms if you think you are a suspected case of COVID-19:
- Sore throat.
- Muscle or body aches.
- Feeling tired and weak.
- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing.
- Loss of taste or smell.
- Stuffy or runny nose.
- Diarrhea, vomiting, or nausea.
According to researchers, COVID-19 is contagious and stays longer than the flu. If you are experiencing COVID-19 or the flu, cold, or some allergy symptoms, then you should immediately call your healthcare provider or book a virtual appointment. Testing is necessary to ensure that you are getting appropriate treatment and undertake all the precautionary measures to prevent spreading the illness.
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