Influenza, covid or cold: what is the difference?

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(Gray News) – With the kids back in the classroom and the flu season approaching, it’s good to recognize the differences between the flu, COVID-19, and the common cold.

Both COVID-19 and influenza can present varying degrees of symptoms, from no symptoms to severe symptoms.

The symptoms of the common cold are usually milder than those of the flu and usually appear gradually.

Because the symptoms are very similar, a flu test or COVID-19 is needed to help confirm the diagnosis.

Things you need to know about the flu

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the flu usually appears suddenly and has some or all of these symptoms:

  • fever or feeling of fever / chills
  • Cough
  • a sore throat
  • runny or covered nose
  • headaches
  • fatigue
  • Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, although this is more common in children than in adults.

Most people usually experience symptoms one to four days after infection.

According to the CDC, someone with the flu becomes infected about a day before they show symptoms and is usually the most contagious during the first three to four days of illness. Many people become infected for about a week.

Like COVID-19, the flu can spread among people who are in close contact.

The CDC recommends receiving a flu shot in late October.

Things to know about COVID-19

The CDC says people with COVID-19 have a wider range of symptoms, which can appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus.

Although this list does not include it, as health experts continue to learn more about the virus, someone with COVID-19 may experience some of these symptoms:

  • fever or chills
  • Cough
  • shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • fatigue
  • muscle or body aches
  • headache
  • new loss of taste or smell
  • a sore throat
  • congestion or runny nose
  • nausea or vomiting
  • diarrhea

According to the CDC, someone with COVID-19 can be contagious for about two days before showing symptoms and remain contagious for at least 10 days after being infected, even if the person is asymptomatic.

COVID-19 spreads from person to person about six meters apart and is generally more contagious than influenza viruses.

It is recommended that all persons over the age of 12 be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Things you need to know about colds

People with colds usually experience a gradual onset of at least some of the following symptoms:

  • cough / chest discomfort
  • fatigue
  • sneezing
  • a sore throat
  • runny or covered nose

Cold symptoms are less severe than the flu or COVID-19 and do not usually cause serious health problems.

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