People are becoming increasingly ill as the weather becomes colder and everyone spends more time indoors. If you find yourself feeling under the weather, you may be questioning if you have a common cold, the flu, or COVID-19. The symptoms of all three often look and feel similar, making it critical to understand the small deviations in symptoms, how each virus is spread, and how you can protect yourself.

Please note: This article was written using the most up-to-date information as of January 07, 2022.

CORONAVIRUS

COVID-19 is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It usually spreads among people who are in close proximity; this is why social distancing rules recommend keeping six feet of distance between yourself and others.

When an infected person breathes, coughs, sneezes, or speaks, the virus spreads by respiratory droplets. Anyone can then contract the virus when the infected droplets are inhaled or come in direct contact with the eyes, nose, or mouth.

Transmission can also happen if someone touches a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touches their lips, nose, or eyes.

Prevention Tips:

• Anyone 5 or older can now be vaccinated against COVID-19, so be sure to get yourself and your family vaccinated (including the booster). COVID-19 immunizations are free, safe, and effective!
  • To find COVID-19 vaccines near you, visit https://www.vaccines.gov/search/.
  • To learn more about the surging Omicron variant as well as COVID vaccines, visit the CDC’s website.
• Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.
  • Are you washing your hands correctly? Read our recent blog “The Importance of Handwashing.”
• Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from others outside your home.
• Even if you don’t feel sick, wear a mask in public. A mask will keep you from spreading the virus if you later find out you’ve become infected.
• Cough and sneeze into a tissue or the inside of your elbow.
• Toss used tissues in the garbage immediately and wash your hands.
• Frequently touched surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected regularly. Doorknobs, light switches, countertops, tables, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks all fall into this category.
• If you experience symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath, stay at home.
• Seek immediate medical attention if you have problems breathing, chest pain, confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, and/or pale, gray-blue colored skin, lips, or nail beds.

FLU

The flu (also called influenza) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs.

When someone with the flu coughs, sneezes, or talks, the virus spreads through the air in droplets, much like COVID. You can directly inhale the droplets or pick up germs from an object (such as a phone or computer keyboard) and then transmit them to your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Prevention Tips:

• Anyone 6 months or older can be vaccinated against influenza, and this is the most effective way of preventing severe illness. Flu vaccines are often free at pharmacies and doctor’s offices.
  • To find flu vaccines near you, visit https://www.vaccines.gov/find-vaccines/
  • To learn more about flu vaccines, check out our recent blog “The Fast Facts on the Flu Vaccine.”
• Avoid close contact with those who are sick.
• Stay home when you’re sick.
• Cough and sneeze into a tissue or your elbow.
• Throw used tissues away immediately.
• Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Clean your home regularly, including disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.
• Avoid large crowds as much as possible and social distance when possible.
• Build your immunity:
  • Eat well and consume lots of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables
  • Sleep at least 7 hours each night
  • Maintain an exercise routine

COMMON COLD

The common cold is a contagious, viral infection of the nose and throat. A cold is normally innocuous, even if it doesn’t feel like it. A common cold can be caused by a variety of viruses.

Each year, healthy adults should expect two to three colds, while children and infants may experience colds more regularly. A typical cold lasts a week to ten days, although people who smoke or suffer from asthma may experience lingering symptoms.

Colds are spread through airborne droplets, just like COVID and the flu. These droplets can be inhaled, or you can pick up germs from an object before transmitting them to your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Prevention Tips:

• Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.
• Avoid close contact with those who are sick.
• Stay home when you’re sick.
• Cough and sneeze into a tissue or your elbow.
• Throw used tissues away immediately.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Clean your home regularly, including disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.
• Build your immunity:
  • Eat well and consume lots of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables
  • Sleep at least 7 hours each night
  • Maintain an exercise routine

Symptoms Compared

Symptoms of COVID-19, the common cold, and the flu are incredibly similar. So how do you tell the difference between them?

We’ve assembled the chart below to help you learn more about the symptoms of these illnesses, but unfortunately, a test performed by a healthcare professional is the only way to know if you have COVID-19 or the flu.

Most pharmacies with a quick clinic are able to give and process flu tests. Flu tests are also available through your primary care physician and local urgent care centers.

COVID-19 tests can often be administered and processed by pharmacies, you primary care physician, local urgent care centers, and local testing sites. To find local testing sites, visit your state’s website for more information.