With fall blowing in, particularly when wandering the trails of Meades Quarry Park, the season brings a lot of rain and cooler temperatures. Along with it comes the familiar coughs, sneezes and fatigue that many of us experience. But how do you know if it’s COVID-19, the flu, or just a common cold? While these illnesses have overlapping symptoms, knowing the key differences can help you pinpoint what you’re dealing with. 

Identifying the right illness is essential for effective treatment and to reducing the risk of spreading it to others. Keep reading to learn how to distinguish between them and manage your symptoms correctly. 

Visit AFC Urgent Care Chapman Hwy for COVID-19, flu, and cold testing and treatment. 

Common Symptoms

First, let’s look at the common symptoms of COVID-19, the flu, and the common cold: 

• COVID-19: Symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle or body aches, sore throat, congestion, and nausea or vomiting. 
• Flu: Symptoms are similar to COVID-19 and include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhea, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. 
• Common Cold: Symptoms are generally milder and include a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, congestion, slight body aches, mild headache, sneezing, and a low-grade fever (rare). 

Onset of Symptoms

The rate at which symptoms appear is another clue that can help distinguish these illnesses: 

• COVID-19: Symptoms typically appear 2 to 14 days after exposure. The progression can be slow, with symptoms worsening over time. 
• Flu: Symptoms usually come on suddenly, often within 1to 4 days after. The flu hits quickly and severely. 
• Common Cold: Symptoms generally develop gradually over a couple of days. Colds are usually milder and less sudden compared to the flu and COVID-19. 

Key Differences

• Breathing Difficulties: Severe shortness of breath is more associated with COVID-19, especially in moderate to severe. While it can occur with the flu, it is typically less severe and less common in the common cold. 
• Gastrointestinal Symptoms: COVID-19 and the flu can both cause gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, but these are more prevalent in children with the flu and less common in the common cold. 

Testing and Diagnosis

If you’re feeling under the weather and unsure whether it’s COVID-19, the flu, or a cold, getting tested is your best option.  Our clinic provides Rapid Flu and COVID-19 testing, along with the treatment you need to help you feel better, faster. 

Prevention and Treatment

• COVID-19: While COVID-19 vaccines are widely available to help prevent the virus, AFC specializes in testing and treatment. We offer antiviral treatments, and early intervention which can significantly improve recovery and overall outcomes. 
• Flu: Annual flu vaccination is available. Antiviral medications can reduce the severity and duration of the flu if taken early. 
• Common Cold: There is no vaccine for the common cold, and treatment focuses on relieving symptoms. Rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications can help manage your illness.

It can be tough to tell the difference between COVID-19, the flu, and a common cold because of how often their symptoms overlap. However, knowing the subtle differences in how quickly symptoms start, how severe they are, and key signs can help you figure out which illness you might have. If you’re unsure—especially with severe symptoms or higher risk of complications—consider getting tested at AFC Chapman Hwy. Taking steps like getting vaccinated, maintaining good hygiene, and staying informed can help protect you and others during this fall season.  

If you think you might be experiencing COVID, flu or cold symptoms, visit AFC Urgent Care Chapman Hwy for a rapid flu test or COVID test.