What is the difference between a cold, the flu, and COVID-19?
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Telling the difference between the common cold, influenza, and COVID-19 can be quite difficult because their symptoms are similar.
Knowing the difference between a cold, the flu, and COVID-19*
Symptoms | Cold | Flu | COVID-19 |
---|---|---|---|
Sneezing | X | ||
Sore throat | X | X | X |
Runny or stuffy nose | X | X | X |
Cough | X | X | X |
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing | X | X | |
Fatigue (tiredness) | X | X | |
Fever or feeling feverish/chills | X | X | |
Muscle pain or body aches | X | X | |
Headache | X | X | |
Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults) | X | X | |
Change in or loss of taste and smell | X |
If you are experiencing symptoms or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, use our MyChart self-checker to determine your next steps.
Still unsure? Have questions? Contact your health care provider today.
COVID-19 also has additional elements to consider:
- COVID-19 is also more contagious and can spread much faster than influenza.
- People with COVID-19 may also experience a more severe lung infection.
- People with COVID-19 are at greater risk of dying either during or after infection.
- In children, COVID-19 can cause a rare, but serious multi-system inflammatory syndrome.
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