Thrive by IU Health

October 17, 2024

Is it COVID-19, flu or a cold?

Is it COVID-19, flu or a cold?

When your child comes home with a runny nose or your work colleague begins sneezing, we often begin considering all the possibilities: is it a cold, the flu or COVID-19? While all three are viruses that can infect our bodies and usually appear as respiratory symptoms, there are differences between cold, flu and COVID.

What is a cold vs. influenza vs. COVID-19?

The common cold can be caused by several different viruses. Colds mainly tend to create symptoms in your body from your throat upwards: runny nose, sore throat, sinus pressure, sneezing, and coughing.

While the common cold stays in your upper respiratory tract, the flu can be felt all over. Influenza virus, or flu, typically begins with a high fever. A high fever is usually around 101 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit, but ranges from 100 to 104 degrees, typically in the first couple days of symptoms. You’ll also experience chills and body aches. Some people will also experience headaches or coughing. Flu symptoms usually show up within one to four days after exposure to this virus.

COVID-19, on the other hand, can look like both cold and flu symptoms.

“COVID is honestly a great mimicker of other viruses. The infection can feel like a mild cold to a severe flu,” said Dr. Murtaza Ali, an internal medicine physician at IU Health. “The most common COVID symptoms are fever, runny nose, congestion, cough and loss of smell and taste. Some people can experience an upset stomach, with diarrhea and nausea. COVID can create any combination of these symptoms.”

COVID-19 symptoms begin to appear two to five days after exposure to the virus. You can be contagious with COVID-19 before you even notice symptoms, and you can continue to spread the virus for up to five to seven days after the symptoms started.

In rare cases, COVID-19 infections can damage organs like the kidneys, heart or lungs. It can also cause blood clots.

When to seek medical attention

While most people experience mild symptoms of COVID, it’s important to seek immediate medical care at an emergency room if you experience any of the following:

  • Persistent chest pain or pressure
  • Sudden feelings of confusion
  • Inability to wake up or stay awake
  • Any part of your face or lips turning blue
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

These symptoms could indicate low blood oxygen, developing pneumonia or other issues that require immediate medical attention.

is it covid or the flu

For the common cold, it’s less likely that you will need to see a doctor. You can treat cold symptoms at home with nasal decongestants and allergy medications. Contact your doctor if your nasal symptoms persist beyond 10 days, or if worsening sinus pain produces a yellowish discharge. These are signs that you might have a bacterial sinus infection.

Treating viruses

There is no antiviral medication treatment available for the common cold, so you simply manage your symptoms through decongestants, steroid nasal sprays or acetaminophen.

If you have flu symptoms, it’s important to seek medical care as soon as possible. A provider can evaluate you to determine the best level of treatment to reduce the risk of complications. While most flu can be managed with common remedies, some people may need further testing or a prescription for an antiviral medication like Oseltamivir. This is especially helpful for patients at higher risk for complications from the flu, such as people with diabetes, obesity, heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease or compromised immune systems.

Similarly, high-risk patients may also be prescribed antiviral medications to head off COVID-19 infections. These medications must be given within five days of symptom onset.

Preventing infection

All three of these viruses are caused by the same things: infections passed by respiratory droplets. You can catch a cold, flu or COVID-19 if someone sneezes, and you touch or inhale those droplets. The two easiest ways to avoid an infection are to wash your hands frequently and wear a mask if you are in high-density areas or you spend time around anyone who may be sick. This is especially important if you have any health conditions that put you at risk for getting sick.

You can also help prevent COVID-19 and the flu through vaccines. An updated flu vaccine is available every year to cover the viral strains expected that year. COVID-19 boosters are also modified frequently to cover the most prevalent strains of the virus. Talk with your doctor about the latest COVID-19 booster.

Antibiotics are not used to treat viruses

The common cold, the flu and COVID-19 are viruses, and antibiotic medications have no effect on viruses. Viruses and bacteria are completely different microorganisms, and antibiotics are specifically designed to kill bacteria. It’s important to not attempt to use antibiotics to treat viral infections.

“Antibiotics don’t treat a viral infection. But these medications can kill the good bacteria in your colon and increase the risk of developing antibiotic resistance,” Dr. Ali said.

As we head into flu and cold season, be sure to update your vaccines, wash your hands and be aware of the most concerning symptoms when you encounter a cold, flu or COVID-19 virus.

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