As the weather becomes cooler in Ballantyne, respiratory illnesses like colds, the flu, and COVID-19 are more prevalent. These illnesses share several overlapping symptoms, making it difficult to determine what might be causing your discomfort. However, understanding the key differences between these infections can help you take the right steps for treatment and avoid spreading illness to others. Learn more about differentiating between COVID-19, the flu, and the common cold to keep you healthy and able to participate in the exciting activities in the greater Charlotte region.

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The Common Cold

The common cold is generally mild compared to other respiratory illnesses. It’s caused by a variety of viruses, most often rhinoviruses, and typically affects the upper respiratory tract, including the nose and throat. Cold symptoms are annoying but manageable, and most people recover within 7 to 10 days (about 1 and a half weeks) without medical intervention.

Common symptoms of a cold include:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Mild cough
• Sore throat
• Fatigue (sometimes)
• Watery eyes
• Mild headaches (rarely)
• Mild body aches (occasionally)

Most symptoms you experience during a cold are your immune system’s response to the infection, such as a stuffy nose or coughing, which helps clear out the virus. Over-the-counter medications can provide relief for many symptoms, and rest along with hydration will help your body recover.

It’s important to note that while cold symptoms can make you feel unwell, they are usually less severe than those caused by the flu or COVID-19. Cold symptoms tend to develop gradually and are not typically accompanied by a fever, body aches, or significant fatigue.

The Flu (Influenza)

Seasonal influenza, commonly known as the flu, tends to be more intense than a cold. The flu affects your nose, throat, and lungs and can lead to more severe symptoms that may require medical attention, especially for those in higher-risk groups such as older adults or individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Flu symptoms often come on suddenly and can leave you feeling very sick for several days to a week.

Common flu symptoms include:

• Fever and/or chills
• Dry cough
• Fatigue and weakness
• Body aches and pains
• Sore throat (sometimes)
• Runny or stuffy nose (sometimes)
• Headache
• Diarrhea (sometimes in children)

One of the hallmark differences between the flu and the common cold is the intensity and sudden onset of symptoms. Flu symptoms tend to come on quickly and hit harder than a cold, with high fever, severe body aches, and overwhelming fatigue being common. Flu symptoms also tend to last longer, typically between 5 to 7 days.

Vaccination is a key preventive measure for the flu. Even if you contract the flu after receiving a flu shot, the vaccine can reduce the severity of symptoms and shorten the duration of illness. If you think you have the flu, staying home, resting, and keeping hydrated are important steps for recovery. In some cases, antiviral medications prescribed by one of our providers can help reduce the severity and duration of the illness.

COVID-19

COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has similarities to both the flu and the common cold, but there are also distinctive symptoms that set it apart. COVID-19 can range from mild to severe, with some cases resulting in hospitalization or even death, particularly in high-risk individuals. While some people experience mild cold-like symptoms, others may develop serious respiratory complications.

Common symptoms of COVID-19 include:

• Fever (above 100 degrees)
• Dry cough
• Shortness of breath
• Gradual onset of symptoms (appearing 2 to 14 days after exposure)
• Fatigue (sometimes)
• Chest pain or tightness
• Body aches and pains
• Diarrhea (less common)
• Mild sneezing

A key distinction is that COVID-19 symptoms may appear gradually, sometimes taking up to two weeks after exposure to the virus. In severe cases, COVID-19 can lead to difficulty breathing, chest pain, or persistent pressure in the chest, which requires immediate medical attention.

The emergence of new variants continues to impact the spread and severity of COVID-19. At the time of this writing, the EG.5 variant is the most common strain in the United States, followed by other variants such as Fornax (FL 1.5.1). While COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots help reduce the severity of the illness, it’s still important to remain cautious, especially during peak cold and flu season.

What is the Difference?

While there are many overlapping symptoms between these illnesses, there are a few key factors to help distinguish between them:

• Sudden vs. gradual onset: Flu symptoms tend to hit suddenly, while cold symptoms appear more gradually. COVID-19 symptoms can also develop gradually, sometimes taking several days or even weeks to manifest.
• Severity of symptoms: Flu and COVID-19 tend to cause more intense symptoms, such as high fever, body aches, and severe fatigue, compared to the mild symptoms of a common cold.

If you are unsure which illness you have, testing is the most reliable way to confirm whether you have COVID-19, the flu, or another respiratory infection. Testing services are available at urgent care centers, which can help you make informed decisions about your treatment and minimize the spread of illness.

As North Carolina’s cold and flu season approaches, it’s essential to understand the differences between common respiratory infections like the cold, flu, and COVID-19. While these illnesses share similar symptoms, key differences in severity, onset, and specific signs like loss of taste or smell can help you identify which one you might be dealing with. If you’re experiencing any respiratory symptoms, visiting AFC Ballantyne for testing and professional advice is a good way to get on the path to recovery while helping to protect others around you.