Your guide to avoiding coronavirus, the common cold, and the confusion this flu season.

It sometimes feels like the more we learn about Coronavirus and its variants, the harder it is to discern it from other illnesses.

Now, flu season is upon us, which is sure to present perplexing questions, such as:

Does having a fever mean I have COVID?

Is this stuffy nose the result of a cold, or could it be the flu?

Or, maybe it’s just allergies?

There are at least a dozen symptoms shared by some or all of those ailments, making it nearly impossible to know what you have without a diagnostic test, a medical exam, or both.

The good news is that, in many cases, you don’t need to know the cause in order to know what to do. The key is to watch for changes in your health or your family’s health – and to respond promptly.

To help, we’ve put together this side-by-side comparison of symptoms as a quick reference.

Download reference here

Coronavirus vs. Cold vs. Flu vs. Allergies

There are lots of similarities between illnesses from the coronavirus and the flu, but there are some differences that help doctors distinguish them.

A key difference is the incubation period for the viruses — that is, the time it takes to develop symptoms after exposure to it. The flu always strikes quickly, typically in just one to three days.

Coronavirus, however, can take anywhere from two to 14 days. This is why it’s important to isolate right away after being exposed so as not to unknowingly infect others.

People usually recover from the flu in seven to 10 days, while it’s believed that it takes at least 10 days to recover from the coronavirus, especially those with severe cases, which can mean several weeks or even months of gradual recovery.

The symptoms themselves are difficult to distinguish. Below is a list of 12 symptoms that are easily confused among coronavirus, the flu, the common cold, and allergies.

How to get tested and get treatment 

Simply put, be cautious and get tested! It’s also good practice to stay mindful of following the standard recommended precautions when interacting with the public.

Tested positive for COVID-19? We’re here to help you get the COVID treatment that is right for you.