Get to know the difference between flu, COVID-19, and the common cold to determine what to do and when should you get tested.
Testing, according to experts, is the best method to establish what you have because symptoms of the disorders might overlap. Cold, flu, and COVID-19 viruses all transmit in the same way: via droplets from infected people’s noses and mouths. And they can all be transmitted before a person recognizes they are afflicted. When someone with any of the conditions begins to feel poorly, the time varies. Some persons who are infected with the coronavirus do not show any symptoms, yet they can still spread it.
Viruses that infect the respiratory system cause all of these disorders. All of them are infectious and may quickly spread from person to person. They also induce some of the same symptoms. As a result, distinguishing them might be difficult. To understand more here’s a list of the different symptoms of each illness.
Do I have a Common Cold?
Cold symptoms are usually mild. They are frequently accompanied by a tickly throat, a runny or stuffy nose, and sneezing. If there is a fever, it is not severe. A person with a cold normally feels okay, has a normal appetite, and has normal energy levels. There is no test and no particular treatment for the common cold. It simply has to run its course.
Do I have a Flu?
The flu might be mild as well. However, children with the flu usually feel worse than if they have a cold. They might experience a sudden rise in temperature with chills, a headache, and body pains. They may experience a sore throat a runny nose, and a cough. They are also often unhappy, tired, and have little appetite. Some children have stomach discomfort, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
A flu testing can be conducted by a doctor to determine whether or not a person has the flu. Most people with the flu recover at home with plenty of fluids, rest, and comfort. In some scenarios, a doctor can prescribe an antiviral medication to alleviate symptoms and decrease the duration of the sickness. Some people get very ill and need hospitalization. Many flu cases can be avoided by getting a shot of vaccine yearly.
The Corona or COVID-19 Virus
Coronavirus is a virus family that, like the flu, travels mostly by respiratory droplets. In terms of symptoms and intensity, four of these viruses are similar to the common cold. SARS-CoV-2, or new coronavirus, is a potentially lethal virus that can lead to COVID-19.
COVID-19 and flu have some common symptoms including; fever, muscle aches and pains throughout the body, sore throat, fatigue, headache, diarrhea, and vomiting. The distinction between the flu and COVID-19: The latter may involve a variety of additional symptoms, such as loss of smell and taste, skin rash, and difficulty of breathing, Symptoms might emerge anywhere two to fourteen days following infections. COVID-19’s aftereffects might persist from days to several months.
What to do if you’ve been infected?
If you get sick, whether it’s the flu, COVID-19, or a typical cold, it’s critical to watch for the worsening of symptoms, especially if you’re in a high-risk category (older adults, people with underlying medical conditions, and pregnant women).
Do you merely have a minor cold and flu-like symptoms? For a runny nose, use a nasal decongestant, a cough suppressant, and acetaminophen for fever, aches, and pains. However, you should still isolate yourself for at least 10 days before returning to your normal activities.
When Should You Get Tested?
If you have any concerns or issues, you should consult your doctor. A cold-like sickness may turn out to be the flu or COVID-19. Because the three virus kinds generate many identical symptoms, testing is the best way to tell which one you have. All of them are infectious and may quickly spread from person to person. Get tested TODAY!