Sneezing, coughing, chills… do you have a cold, the flu, or even COVID-19?
The common cold, flu, and COVID-19 are all respiratory illnesses, but different viruses cause them. While the cold can cause you to feel sick for a few days, the flu and COVID-19 can leave you ill for weeks, lead to more serious illnesses, hospitalization, and even death.
Cold Symptoms
A cold does not usually result in serious health problems but the symptoms often last about a week.
• runny or stuffy nose
• sore throat
• congestion
• cough
• slight fever
Flu Symptoms
The flu is worse than a cold and the symptoms are more severe and usually come on quickly but generally improve over two to five days even though you may feel worse for wear for a week or so.
• fever
• chills
• sore throat
• cough
• headache
• fatigue
• muscle or body aches
COVID-19 Symptoms
People infected with COVID-19 have reported a wide range of symptoms from mild to severe.
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
For more information about the difference between a common cold, the flu, and COVID-19, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s resource page.
