With cooler weather rolling in, we love to take local strolls through Town of Cramerton Goat Island Park and Greenway. However, it’s not uncommon to start feeling a bit under the weather with the changing season. The big question is: Do you have COVID-19, the flu, or just a common cold? While these illnesses share some similar symptoms, knowing how they differ can help you take the right steps.

Understanding these differences is important for getting the right treatment and ensuring that you don’t spread the illness to others. Read on to learn the key differences and how to manage each illness effectively.

Visit AFC Urgent Care Gastonia 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, 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 onset speed of symptoms can provide insight into differentiating between these illnesses:

• COVID-19: Symptoms typically appear 2 to14 days (about 2 weeks) 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 between COVID, Flu & Cold Symptoms

• 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

When symptoms arise and you’re uncertain if it’s COVID-19, the flu, or a common cold, getting tested is the safest choice. Rapid tests at our clinic for COVID-19 and the flu are widely accessible, giving you quick answers, and guiding you on treatment options and if isolation is needed.

Prevention and Treatment

• COVID-19: AFC specializes in testing and treatment, which can significantly improve recovery and overall outcomes with early intervention.
• 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.

Because COVID-19, the flu, and the common cold have overlapping symptoms, telling them apart can be challenging. But recognizing differences in how symptoms begin, their intensity, and unique signs can help you determine what you’re dealing with. If you’re in doubt, especially if your symptoms are severe, or you’re at higher risk for complications, it’s best to seek advice and testing at AFC Gastonia. Taking preventive measures, such as vaccination and practicing good hygiene, can help protect you and others throughout cold and flu season.

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