Distinguishing between COVID-19, the flu, a cold, and other viral infections can be challenging, but identifying the illness is crucial for knowing when to get treatment.
Nurse practitioner Miranda Kerley of K & M Care in Summerton, South Carolina, specializes in these contagious and sometimes dangerous conditions. She’s available to help whether you need a same-day, walk-in appointment or advice over the phone.
In this blog, Miranda helps you discern what’s causing your symptoms.
COVID-19, the flu, and colds are viral respiratory infections that tend to surge in fall and winter. They also share several symptoms. If you have any of these, you might experience:
Sneezing is common with a cold but rare with the flu or COVID-19. A cold may sometimes leave you feeling tired or mildly achy. Otherwise, the primary cold symptoms are listed here. The key difference is COVID-19 and the flu come with additional symptoms.
Figuring out if you have COVID-19 or the flu can be difficult, as both can range from mild to severe and may result in serious complications or hospitalization. Despite key differences, they share many symptoms, such as:
Shortness of breath is a clear sign you need urgent medical attention.
A few distinctions can help you determine whether you have the flu or COVID-19:
Flu symptoms appear rapidly — you may feel fine one day and sick two days later. In contrast, COVID-19 symptoms usually develop more gradually.
Congestion from COVID-19, the flu, or a cold can temporarily reduce your sense of smell and taste, but COVID-19 affects these senses differently.
Loss of smell is often an early sign of COVID-19 and can occur without congestion. The virus attacks sensory cells, blocking signals from reaching the brain, which leads to the loss of smell.
COVID-19 can lead to a skin rash that may appear during your illness or a month later. Rashes are uncommon with the flu. Some individuals with COVID-19 may also experience swelling and discoloration in their fingers or toes, a symptom not associated with the flu.
Confusion and disorientation (delirium) can be early indicators of COVID-19 in older adults. Delirium may occur quickly, sometimes with few or no respiratory symptoms. Individuals experiencing confusion are at a greater risk of severe COVID-19.
Two conditions commonly confused with a cold, the flu, and COVID-19 are:
Seasonal allergies and colds result in a runny or stuffy nose and sneezing. However, eye symptoms are typical with allergies and rarely occur with colds.
Colds usually improve within a week, while allergy symptoms can persist for weeks, depending on pollen, mold, or other allergens in the air.
RSV is another viral infection that impacts the nose, throat, and lungs. It usually causes mild illness in most individuals but can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening for young children and older adults.
RSV typically mimics cold symptoms but can also lead to symptoms similar to the flu and COVID-19. You might experience:
Babies may be irritable, inactive, stop feeding, and have trouble breathing.
Fever, wheezing, and difficulty breathing are signs of a severe infection needing immediate medical care.
The only treatments for a cold involve medications that alleviate symptoms such as congestion, sneezing, and coughing. However, we can prescribe antiviral medications to lessen symptoms of the flu and COVID-19.
These medications are effective only if taken soon after symptoms begin. COVID-19 treatments should be taken within 5-7 days, while antiviral medicines for the flu work best within two days but may still help if started later.
If you recognize symptoms of the flu or COVID-19 or need help with a cold, make an appointment by calling K & M Care at 803-373-5399 or using the online booking tool. Walk-ins are also welcome.
