Cold, Flu, Or Covid? Simple Ways To Differentiate Between The Three

This flu season could be brutal, say the early clues that scientists have gathered. This comes as the world already struggles keeping up with the new variants of <span>COVID</span>, however, the COVID rates in the US appears to be low. Though researchers are expecting the virus to circulate more widely in the coming months as people gather for holidays. 

This is also the time for <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/common-cold">common cold</a></span>. Dr William Schaffner, an <span>infectious disease</span> specialist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center tells the New York Times that if you feel ill, but your symptoms remain only above the neck, that is, a stuffy nose, a sore throat, then it could just be a common cold. 

However, if the symptoms lead to hacking cough, and down the neck, which makes your muscles ache and body tired, that it could be a flu or COVID. Due to the similarities in the symptoms, even infectious <span>disease</span> specialists also struggle to tell the difference. 

<strong>How it begins: </strong>Initially, symptoms of COVID can mimic flu-like symptoms

<h4>What are the primary symptoms of COVID?</h4>

<ul><li>Loss of taste</li><li>Loss of smell</li><li>Sore throat: the new variants are also causing razor-sharp pain in the throat</li><li>Diarrhea or stomach upset</li></ul>

The biggest difference here is the dry and persistent coughing, which when you have a cold will not be dry in nature.

<h4>How it impacts? The COVID may vary from mild to severe</h4>

Since the pandemic, Covid has blurred the lines between seasonal infections. Current strains can trigger flu-like fatigue, fever, and cough. But the loss of taste or smell and digestive issues are stronger indicators of Covid.

For confirming COVID, <em><strong>test is the only key</strong></em>. There are now at-home tests available online and at drugstores too. An at-home test could detect both, a flu and COVID. 

How it begins: The symptoms of common cold starts gradually.

<h4>What are the primary symptoms of Common Cold?</h4>

<ul><li>Stuffy or runny nose</li><li>Sore throat, but not razor-blade like pain</li><li>You may feel pressure in the ears</li></ul>

Here, the biggest difference is also in cough, which is often mucus-filled and chesty. Whereas in COVID, the cough is dry.

<strong>How it impacts? </strong>While it is annoying in the beginning, especially due to the blocked nose and ears, the congestion clears up overtime and usually doesn’t stop daily activities.

Colds typically start with a tickle in the throat or pressure in the ears before progressing to nasal congestion and cough. Most people can carry on with their routines despite the discomfort.

<strong>How it starts? </strong>In many cases, the flu may catch you out of the blues, many describe the onset as sudden.

<h4>What are the primary symptoms of Flu?</h4>

<ul><li>Fever</li><li>Chills</li><li>Muscle aches</li><li>Exhaustion</li></ul>

While the cough here is also dry in nature, which may make one get confused with COVID, there is no razor-blade like symptom, which can be used as a marker to differentiate.

<h4>How does it impact? Flu often requires bed rest.</h4>

Unlike a cold, flu can leave you feeling completely wiped out. Body aches and high fever are distinguishing features, and recovery often takes several days of rest.

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This flu season could be brutal, say the early clues that scientists have gathered. This comes as the world already struggles keeping up with the new variants of COVID, however, the COVID rates in the US appears to be low. Though researchers are expecting the virus to circulate more widely in the coming months as people gather for holidays. This is also the time for common cold. Dr William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center tells the New York Times that if you feel ill, but your symptoms remain only above the neck, that is, a stuffy nose, a sore throat, then it could just be a common cold. However, if the symptoms lead to hacking cough, and down the neck, which makes your muscles ache and body tired, that it could be a flu or COVID. Due to the similarities in the symptoms, even infectious disease specialists also struggle to tell the difference. Symptoms To Take A Note OfCOVIDHow it begins: Initially, symptoms of COVID can mimic flu-like symptomsWhat are the primary symptoms of COVID?Loss of tasteLoss of smellSore throat: the new variants are also causing razor-sharp pain in the throatDiarrhea or stomach upsetThe biggest difference here is the dry and persistent coughing, which when you have a cold will not be dry in nature.How it impacts? The COVID may vary from mild to severeSince the pandemic, Covid has blurred the lines between seasonal infections. Current strains can trigger flu-like fatigue, fever, and cough. But the loss of taste or smell and digestive issues are stronger indicators of Covid.For confirming COVID, test is the only key. There are now at-home tests available online and at drugstores too. An at-home test could detect both, a flu and COVID. Common ColdsHow it begins: The symptoms of common cold starts gradually.What are the primary symptoms of Common Cold?Stuffy or runny noseSore throat, but not razor-blade like painYou may feel pressure in the earsHere, the biggest difference is also in cough, which is often mucus-filled and chesty. Whereas in COVID, the cough is dry.How it impacts? While it is annoying in the beginning, especially due to the blocked nose and ears, the congestion clears up overtime and usually doesn’t stop daily activities.Colds typically start with a tickle in the throat or pressure in the ears before progressing to nasal congestion and cough. Most people can carry on with their routines despite the discomfort.FluHow it starts? In many cases, the flu may catch you out of the blues, many describe the onset as sudden.What are the primary symptoms of Flu?FeverChillsMuscle achesExhaustionWhile the cough here is also dry in nature, which may make one get confused with COVID, there is no razor-blade like symptom, which can be used as a marker to differentiate.How does it impact? Flu often requires bed rest.Unlike a cold, flu can leave you feeling completely wiped out. Body aches and high fever are distinguishing features, and recovery often takes several days of rest.