The novel COVID-19 is a respiratory disease that always doesn’t produce symptoms. But when it does, the symptoms can be deceivingly the same as those symptoms that result from acute bronchitis.

Acute bronchitis also referred to as chest cold, is a common lung infection that causes inflammation in the airway. If you aren’t experienced, you could easily diagnose your illness as a chest cold when it might also be COVID-19.

It is difficult to tell the difference between COVID-19 and acute bronchitis, at least not without the help of a medical practitioner. Though it is necessary to know the difference, bronchitis and COVID-19 can both affect you in varying ways, and if left untreated, it can result in severe and sometimes life-threatening conditions, like acute respiratory distress and pneumonia.

If you have persistent symptoms, visit AFC Urgent Care Toms River today. We provide COVID-19 testing to patients in need, and can diagnose other general illnesses. Visit our center or call for more information. 

Symptoms of COVID-19:

Though the symptoms of COVID-19 can be mild and undetected, the underlying virus can be infectious. Therefore you should act as though you’re infected and take every precaution if there is any probability you might be. For example, if you develop COVID-19 symptoms or you believe you may have been exposed to COVID-19, seek a medical provider for guidance on your next steps, which will include testing.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include;

• Shortness of breath

•  Fever

• Body aches

• Cough

• Sore throat

• Fatigue

• Congestion or a runny nose

•  Headache

• Skin rash

• Loss of taste or smell

• Stomach conditions like vomiting, pain, diarrhea, or nausea

• Pink eye

Symptoms of Acute Bronchitis:

The symptoms of acute bronchitis will resolve on their own in about a few weeks. This gives you time to pay close attention to your symptoms. Your initial hacking cough will transition gradually into a productive cough as you recover from acute bronchitis. If you feel uncomfortable or your symptoms seem to be getting worse rather than better, you should seek medical help. This is necessary because if left untreated can progress into pneumonia or become chronic.

Symptoms of acute bronchitis include;

• Dry, hacking cough

• Deep cough with mucus

• Chest discomfort

• Shortness of breath

• Slight fever and chills

• Fatigue

• Cold symptoms like a mild headache or body pains

Difference Between COVID-19 and Acute Bronchitis:

Only a professional medical practitioner can tell the nature of your symptoms with proper testing. Though, while you await medical help, below are some major differences between the symptoms of bronchitis and COVID-19 that may assist with some clarity;

1.      Bronchitis is more likely to cause a wet cough and slight fever

2.      COVID-19 is more likely to cause high fever, chills, diarrhea, dry cough, and loss of smell or taste.

Whatever the symptoms you’re experiencing, it’s always a good idea to take caution and get tested for the coronavirus infection.