A cold, the flu or COVID?
A case of the sniffles was once viewed as a mere byproduct of the winter months. Now, rightfully so, we’re immediately questioning: what is this? Is it COVID? Is it the flu? Is it just a cold? Symptom checkers are helpful but aren’t the be-all, end-all. The best thing you can do if you or a loved one are feeling flu-like symptoms is to talk to your doctor and get tested for COVID-19.
So, what are the key differences?
COVID vs. a Cold
COVID-19 and the common cold are both caused by viruses. COVID is caused by SARS-CoV-2, whereas rhinoviruses are typically what bring about a cold. Many of the symptoms can overlap - but where you’ll see the biggest differences are in GI symptoms. COVID sometimes sees GI symptoms like diarrhea and nausea, where colds do not.
Muscle aches and fever can also be a sign you may be experiencing COVID instead of a cold. Here’s a look at how symptoms can vary across COVID and colds:
Source: Mayo Clinic
COVID vs. the Flu
If you’re wondering whether you might be dealing with the flu or COVID, again, your best course of action is to get a COVID test.
More so than the common cold, flu and COVID share symptoms - and it can be difficult to determine on your own what you may be sick with. Talk to your doctor if you think you may have either, and be sure to follow CDC guidelines if you have been exposed to COVID.
The symptom list below can help - COVID typically sees a dry cough (vs. a wetter one with flu). COVID’s hallmark symptom of loss of taste or smell is important to watch for as well, as it’s not common in flu cases.
Source: Mayo Clinic
If you’re concerned about your symptoms or are looking for more information, Sesame offers same-day, affordable online COVID-19 visits on Sesame. You'll be able to talk with a medical expert who can assess your symptoms, offer medical advice, and prescribe medication when appropriate - all from the comfort of home.
Related posts
The common cold and COVID-19 can cause similar symptoms - here's how to tell to the two conditions apart and get proper treatment.
It can be hard to tell if you are managing the flu or COVID-19. An understanding of these illnesses and their symptoms can help you get the proper treatment.
Discover how to tell if you have a cold or the flu, key symptoms to watch for, and the best treatment options. Book an online visit with Sesame Care for expert guidance.
Sinus infections and common colds cause many of the same symptoms, so it may be hard to distinguish between the two. However, these conditions require different treatment methods, so knowing their differences is important.
The best chance for long-term weight loss success generally comes from “lifestyle changes" – behaviors that result in fewer calories consumed and increases in physical activity. We've outlined some general guidance here for nutrition and exercise.
The COVID-19 landscape is constantly changing, and staying up-to-date with the latest guidelines on isolation can be challenging. That's why we've put together a list of commonly asked questions about COVID-19 infectiousness, plus MD-approved answers.
Knowing what appointments you need - and when - can be challenging. Sesame’s Medical Director, Dr. Allison Edwards, MD, has compiled an easy checklist to see what appointments you should consider scheduling in the year ahead.
Not sure if you need to go to a walk-in clinic, an urgent care center, or the emergency room? Here are the main differences between these medical centers.
CMS has asked several states to pause Medicaid redeterminations after identifying procedural errors causing millions to lose coverage, despite remaining eligible. The pause aims to address these issues and ensure proper enrollment procedures.
