Understanding the differences among the common cold, the flu and COVID-19 can be challenging, as they share many symptoms that can be confusing and worrisome to many people who may wonder what steps they should take to protect their health.
Dr. Daisy Dodd, an infectious disease specialist with Kaiser Permanente Southern California, notes that although these three diseases share common symptoms, they have distinctive differences the public should become familiar with, especially during the coronavirus pandemic.
“There’s no doubt that there are similarities among these illnesses,” she noted. “However, there also are significant differences one should be familiar with, as that will help you better understand when to seek necessary medical attention.”
Dr. Dodd noted that while you may feel miserable when you have a cold, the symptoms are generally milder compared to more aggressive viruses like the flu and COVID-19. A cold is typically less severe, and can cause any or all of the following symptoms:
• Runny or stuffy nose.
• A mild cough.
• Fatigue.
• Sneezing.
• Sore throat.
• Aches and pains.
Unlike the common cold, the flu generally comes on fast and furious. Here are some of its common symptoms:
• Fever and/or chills.
• Dry cough.
• Fatigue.
• Aches and pains.
• Runny and stuffy nose.
• Sore throat.
When it comes to COVID-19, it shares some symptoms with the common cold and flu, but has other distinctive symptoms. They include:
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
• Loss of taste and smell.
• Diarrhea.
• Fever and/or chills.
• Dry cough.
• Tiredness
• Aches and pains.
• Headaches.
• Sore throat.
“As we enter the flu season, getting your flu shot may be more important than ever this year because of the pandemic,” Dr. Dodd said.
“The flu shot is safe and provides good protection against influenza, which will compromise your immune system and make you more vulnerable to getting other diseases, including COVID-19. You also absolutely do not want to be stricken by both the flu and COVID-19 at the same time, as that could be a deadly combination.”
When in doubt whether you have a cold, the flu or COVID-19, Dr. Dodd advised that you contact your health care provider to see if medical attention is necessary.
