Fall is the season of many different symptoms, illnesses and ailments. They seem to get worse as winter goes on. There is an increase in allergies for many people in the fall. There is usually a wave of colds, and there are a few different types of the flu going around.
As this is the first fall season we’ve ever experienced with the COVID pandemic, many people are worried they may have more than a flu or cold. Due to the newness of this virus, barely anyone has natural immunity. Our bodies are not ready for this virus to invade.
The issue here is that symptoms of the flu and the coronavirus are very similar. However, the way the virus behaves and the way it affects your body will tell you more. Both the flu and COVID symptoms include cough, fever, difficulty breathing, body aches, fatigue, sore throat, headaches, and exhaustion. Cold symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy watery eyes, face/sinus inflammation, and loss of taste or smell.
The COVID virus kills 10x as many people as the flu, so it is important to avoid. Let’s see what the differences are between the symptoms of a cold, the flu, and the coronavirus.
The Differences Between The Flu and COVID:
- If you rarely or never catch the flu and you suddenly have flu like symptoms, that is one indication that it could be COVID, because it is very contagious.
- Body aches and headaches seem to be more common with the flu than with COVID.
- It is rare to see a runny nose and nasal congestion with COVID patients.
- The flu does not typically cause a loss in taste or smell, but COVID does.
- It is common for COVID to cause diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
- If you are still sick after 10 days, you are more likely to have COVID. The flu usually lasts just a week, sometimes two.
If you are experiencing symptoms that seem like they might be COVID, call your nearest Urgent Care, Emergency Room, or Doctor’s office. Get tested, and avoid interaction with anyone until you are clear.
