Health and Me

Ishita Roy

Covid, Cold, Or Flu: How To Differentiate Between These Infections?

<span>COVID</span>-19 is back, and so are other seasonal viruses. One of the things people are getting confused with is whether their symptoms are of common cold, flu, or COVID? Is there a way to tell which one do you have? How can you differentiate? 

<h2>Why Do Viruses Spread More in Colder Months?</h2>

As autumn is here, so are the infections. The weather is getting cold and diseases are on the rise. Before we differentiate between the three, let us first understand why do such viruses and diseases increase during colder months? There is a belief that cold weather directly causes colds, however, is a common myth. What really happens is linked more to our lifestyle in winter. Shorter days and lower temperatures push us indoors, into warm, enclosed spaces where viruses can spread more easily.

Children returning to school and nursery after summer holidays often act as “mini carriers,” bringing germs home. 

This is also the ‘back to school’ time, when freshers living in halls attend social events in closed quarters are more vulnerable. The places are also poorly ventilated, are crowded, and thus it works as a perfect breeding ground for infections, whether COVID, flu, or common cold.

<h2><span rel="noindex">Covid vs Cold vs Flu</span>: How To Spot The Difference?</h2>

While these illnesses share overlapping symptoms, there are certain things that can help you differentiate between the three. Here’s how you can know which infection you have.

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

<h3>What are the primary symptoms of COVID? </h3>

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

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

How it impacts? The COVID may vary from mild to severe

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.

<strong>How it begins:</strong> The symptoms of common cold starts gradually.

<h3>What are the primary symptoms of Common Cold?</h3>

<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, <strong>which is often mucus-filled and chesty.</strong> 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.

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

<h3>What are the primary symptoms of Flu? </h3>

<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,<strong> there is no razor-blade like symptom</strong>, which can be used as a marker to differentiate. 

<strong>How does it impact?</strong> 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.

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COVID-19 is back, and so are other seasonal viruses. One of the things people are getting confused with is whether their symptoms are of common cold, flu, or COVID? Is there a way to tell which one do you have? How can you differentiate? Why Do Viruses Spread More in Colder Months?As autumn is here, so are the infections. The weather is getting cold and diseases are on the rise. Before we differentiate between the three, let us first understand why do such viruses and diseases increase during colder months? There is a belief that cold weather directly causes colds, however, is a common myth. What really happens is linked more to our lifestyle in winter. Shorter days and lower temperatures push us indoors, into warm, enclosed spaces where viruses can spread more easily.Children returning to school and nursery after summer holidays often act as “mini carriers,” bringing germs home. This is also the ‘back to school’ time, when freshers living in halls attend social events in closed quarters are more vulnerable. The places are also poorly ventilated, are crowded, and thus it works as a perfect breeding ground for infections, whether COVID, flu, or common cold.Covid vs Cold vs Flu: How To Spot The Difference?While these illnesses share overlapping symptoms, there are certain things that can help you differentiate between the three. Here’s how you can know which infection you have.COVIDHow 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.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 pain You 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.