As you enjoy the crisp air on a hike at Statesville Greenway – Fourth Creek Trailhead, it’s easy to notice the changing seasons bringing cooler temps and, unfortunately, the risk of illness. If you’ve started to feel unwell, you may be wondering: Is it COVID-19, the flu, or a common cold? Although these illnesses have overlapping symptoms, there are key differences that can help you figure out what’s ailing you.
Knowing these distinctions is important for getting proper treatment and avoiding spreading your illness. Let’s explore the symptoms, onset, and treatment options to help you feel better faster.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Statesville 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
Another way to tell these illnesses apart is by how fast the symptoms begin to develop:
- 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 between a Cold, the Flu & COVID-19
- 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 experiencing symptoms and can’t tell whether it’s COVID-19, the flu, or a cold, getting tested is the best first step. AFC Urgent Care Statesville offers rapid testing for both COVID-19 and the flu to help you figure out the proper treatment and if isolation is necessary.
Prevention and Treatment
- COVID-19: AFC specializes in testing and treatment, offering 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.
COVID-19, the flu, and the common cold often have similar symptoms, making it hard to differentiate between them. However, paying attention to the timing, severity, and distinct signs of each can help you narrow down which illness you have. If you’re ever uncertain—particularly with more serious symptoms or if you’re at high risk—get tested at AFC. Staying proactive with vaccines, good hygiene, and current health information can help keep you and those around you healthy during this fall season.
If you think you might be experiencing COVID, flu or cold symptoms, visit AFC Urgent Care Statesville for a rapid flu test or COVID test.
