Do you know the differences between flu and cold symptoms?
Watch Out For These Signs And Symptoms To Know The Difference
- Dry Cough:
- Stuffy Nose:
- Sore Throat:
- Shortness of Breath:
- Headache:
- Body Aches:
- Sneezing:
- Exhaustion:
- Diarrhoea: However, if you are experiencing severe cold, cough, fever, fatigue, headache get isolation. Go for RT-PCR test to rule out Coronavirus.
What are the differences in symptoms of a cold and the flu?
5 important differences between the cold and flu
- High fever is associated with the flu. While people with colds might feel hot, a fever of 102 degrees or higher often signals that a person has the flu.
- 'Colds are usually self-healing.'. Even though a cold makes people feel miserable, they normally improve without a doctor's help. ...
- Flu happens abruptly. ...
- Body aches, sore throat and headache mean flu. ...
What are ways to relieve cold and flu symptoms?
- Pain reliever for fever and aches. Doctors usually recommend acetaminophen. ...
- Lozenges for a sore throat. They have herbs and other ingredients that can soothe the stinging.
- Decongestant for stuffiness. This medicine shrinks blood vessels in your nose so your airways can open up. ...
- Expectorant to thin mucus. ...
- Antihistamine to dry up a runny nose. ...
How to soothe miserable cold and flu symptoms?
cold, flu or lung infection. Serve foods with a high water content, like chicken soup or broths, applesauce or small pieces of ripe cantaloupe or watermelon. For sore throats, a frozen fruit-juice bar can soothe the scratchiness. If she’s throwing up a ...
How does COVID-19 compare to the flu?
Flu and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by infection with a coronavirus (called SARS-CoV-2) and seasonal flu (most often just called “flu”) is caused by infection with one of many influenza viruses that spread annually among people.
Which one is more contagious, COVID-19 or flu?
Differences: If a person has COVID-19, they could be contagious for a longer time than if they have flu.
Can you get COVID-19 and the flu at the same time?
Yes. It is possible have flu, as well as other respiratory illnesses, and COVID-19 at the same time. Health experts are still studying how common this can be. Some of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, making it hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone.
Is it possible to have COVID-19 without a cough?
You can be infected with the coronavirus and not have a cough. If you do have one, it may be mild and infrequent, or you may cough heavily at times. Remember that it is possible to have COVID-19 with minimal symptoms or even no symptoms at all.
Are influenza (flu) and COVID-19 caused by the same virus?
Influenza (flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by infection with a coronavirus first identified in 2019, and flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses.
Are you still contagious 10 days after the first day of COVID-19 symptoms?
So, there is potential for people to be infectious beyond their seven-day isolation if they are still symptomatic. After ten days, most people are not infectious. Multiple studies have shown there is very little, if any, transmission after day ten, regardless of the variant.
Will the flu shot help fight the coronavirus?
While the flu shot won't protect you from developing COVID-19, it's still a good idea. Most people older than six months can and should get the flu vaccine. Doing so reduces the chances of getting seasonal flu.
How many times can I get COVID-19?
'A long-term pattern' According to some infectious disease researchers, Covid-19 reinfections are likely to become more common as time goes on and different variants continue to circulate—with some people potentially seeing third or fourth reinfections within a year.
What are some of the similar complications of COVID-19 and flu?
See full answerSimilarities:Both COVID-19 and flu can result in complications, including:PneumoniaRespiratory failureAcute respiratory distress syndrome (fluid in the lungs)Sepsis (a life-threatening illness caused by the body’s extreme response to an infection)Cardiac injury (for example, heart attacks and stroke)Multiple-organ failure (respiratory failure, kidney failure, shock)Worsening of chronic medical conditions (involving the lungs, heart, or nervous system or diabetes)Inflammation of the heart, brain, or muscle tissuesSecondary infections (bacterial or fungal infections that can occur in people who have already been infected with flu or COVID-19)
Can you get COVID-19 without getting symptoms?
Yes. Symptoms of COVID-19 usually show up from two to 14 days after exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, but some people who are infected do not develop symptoms or feel ill.
What are some of the first symptoms of COVID-19?
Early symptoms reported by some people include fatigue, headache, sore throat or fever. Others experience a loss of smell or taste. COVID-19 can cause symptoms that are mild at first, but then become more intense over five to seven days, with worsening cough and shortness of breath.
Is it possible to have COVID-19 if I only have a sore throat?
Although rare, COVID-19 may present with only sore throat in about 5%-10% of cases. COVID-19-related sore throat is relatively mild and lasts no more than 4-5 days.
What is the difference between a cold and flu?
Flu and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses but they are caused by different viruses. Because these two types of illnesses have similar...
How can you tell the difference between a cold and the flu?
Because colds and flu share many symptoms, it can be difficult (or even impossible) to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. Sp...
What are the symptoms of the flu versus the symptoms of a cold?
The symptoms of flu can include fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fat...
What are the symptoms of the flu?
Symptoms of flu include sore throat, fever, headache, muscle aches and soreness, congestion, and cough. Swine flu in particular is also associated with vomiting and diarrhea.
How long does a cold last?
Cold symptoms usually last for about a week. During the first three days that you have cold symptoms, you are contagious. This means you can pass the cold to others, so stay home and get some much-needed rest.
What are the complications of a sinus infection?
Sinusitis, bronchitis, ear infection, pneumonia; can be life-threatening. Prevention. Wash hands often; avoid close contact with anyone with a cold. Wash hands often; avoid close contact with anyone who has flu symptoms; get the annual flu vaccine. Treatment.
How do you know if you have pneumonia?
If you notice shortness of breath, let your doctor know. Another common sign of pneumonia is fever that comes back after having been gone for a day or two. Just like cold viruses, flu viruses enter your body through the mucous membranes of the nose, eyes, or mouth.
How long does it take for the flu to go away?
Most flu symptoms gradually improve over two to five days, but it's not uncommon to feel run down for a week or more. A common complication of the flu is pneumonia, particularly in the young, elderly, or people with lung or heart problems. If you notice shortness of breath, let your doctor know.
When does the flu season peak?
Seasonal flu activity in the United States generally peaks between late December and early March.
Can a sore throat cause strep throat?
Painful swallowing: Although a sore throat from a cold or flu can cause mild discomfort, severe pain could mean strep throat, which requires treatment by a doctor. Persistent coughing: When a cough doesn't go away after two or three weeks, it could be bronchitis, which may need an antibiotic.
What are the symptoms of Lyme disease?
Symptoms include: Fever. Chills. Muscle soreness. Tiredness. Unlike the flu, Lyme disease can cause a rash where the tick bit you. It may be shaped like a bull’s-eye with one or more reddish rings. Some people with Lyme disease also have drooping of the face, or Bell’s palsy. Encephalitis.
How long does it take for AIDS to show symptoms?
The virus that causes AIDS can bring on flu-like symptoms about 2 to 4 weeks after you get infected. Some of the early possible signs of an HIV infection are:
What diseases can you catch in the fall?
HIV. Lyme Disease. Encephalitis. Meningitis. Adenoviruses. Pneumonia. Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning. When you’re feeling run-down, feverish, and achy, you might wonder if you have the flu. You’re more likely to catch it in the fall or winter, especially if you haven’t gotten a flu shot.
Can HIV cause a fever?
Tiredness. Diarrhea. HIV infection can also cause unrelated symptoms, like : A rash on your face, neck, and upper chest after the fever. Open sores in your mouth, esophagus, anus, or on your penis. Lyme Disease. Deer ticks trigger this bacterial infection when they bite you. Symptoms include: Fever.
Can a cold cause a sore throat?
The Common Cold. Like the flu, a cold can wear you down and make you cough, sneeze, and cause a sore throat. Still, a few key clues may help you tell these viral illnesses apart. Colds usually come on slowly, and the symptoms tend to be milder. You’re more likely to get a runny or stuffy nose.
Does pneumonia make your muscles ache?
But pneumonia doesn’t come on as fast as the flu, and it’s not likely to make your muscles ache. You’re more likely to have these symptoms, too: Blue-colored fingernails and lips. Chest pain when you breathe deeply or cough.
Can meningitis cause nausea?
Some of the early symptoms of meningitis can seem like the flu. For instance, you may run a sudden high fever and get a headache with nausea or vomiting. These common viruses aren’t the same as the ones that cause the flu, but they can bring on flu-like symptoms.
How to tell the difference between cold and flu?
Colds and the flu have so much in common that it can sometimes be hard to tell them apart. Both are caused by viruses that infect your airways. They have some of the same symptoms that can leave you feeling miserable. There are enough differences, though, that may help you figure out which one you have.
Can you tell if you have the flu or a cold?
Rarely, symptoms may not be enough for your doctor to know if it's a cold or the flu. Then they may do a test to find out what you have.
What are the symptoms of the flu?
But be on the alert for signs of trouble such as shortness of breath, chest or abdominal pain, dizziness, or dehydration. If you’re experiencing any of these in addition to your flu-like symptoms, call your doctor or head to an emergency room.
How to diagnose bronchitis?
There’s no test for bronchitis like there is for the flu, so doctors usually diagnose it by asking about symptoms and examining you. Bronchitis treatment consists of rest, drinking lots of fluids, and taking meds that can relieve symptoms. RELATED: 8 Possible Reasons You Can’t Stop Coughing.
How long does bronchitis last?
The nagging cough of bronchitis can last up to three weeks, longer than a cough from the flu.
Is bronchitis the same as flu?
Bronchitis. Acute bronchitis not only has cold- and flu-like symptoms, it’s even caused by many of the same viruses. “Bronchitis has a lot of overlap–productive cough with mucus, lethargy, and a sore throat,” says Dr. Peterson. The main difference is that bronchitis doesn’t come with a high fever. Bronchitis symptoms also tend to center on your ...
Can strep throat be a symptom of the flu?
Strep throat may also bring swollen lymph nodes, swollen tonsils, a skin rash, or white blotches on the tonsils. None of these is typical of the flu.
Do colds and flues have the same symptoms?
Both colds and influenza are viral illnesses, they both tend to occur in the same seasons, and they have many overlapping symptoms , like a sore throat and a stuffy nose.
Do colds come with chest pain?
And even though so many symptoms overlap, colds typically don’t come with chest pain or body aches, which are more characteristic of the flu, adds Dr. Peterson. RELATED: 11 Signs It’s More Serious Than the Common Cold.
What are the symptoms of a cold?
Whether it’s a summer cold or a winter cold, colds often bring along their share of misery. A particularly bad cold could mimic some flu symptoms. These include having a runny and/or stuffed up nose, coughing, feeling like your chest is congested, even a sore throat and headache. In adults, fevers are rare in colds, but you ...
How long does it take for a cold to go away?
And, cold symptoms go away in about a week, usually, while flu symptoms can last much longer. 2. Meningitis (Bacterial or Viral) Meningitis is a serious infection or inflammation of the meninges. These are the membranes that surround and protect your brain and spinal cord.
How long does it take for mononucleosis to show?
It can take from 4 to 6 weeks after exposure to the virus for the symptoms to appear, which is why the symptoms may be mistaken for the flu at first—the infected person may not remember being exposed to someone with mononucleosis. 8. Cat-Scratch Disease.
What are the symptoms of blood cancer?
Other blood cancer symptoms include persistent fatigue, unintended weight loss, recurring nosebleeds, swollen lymph glands, and bone pain. 6. Lyme Disease.
Can sepsis cause coughing?
If you think you may have sepsis, get medical help quickly. Pneumonia, whether it’s bacterial, viral or fungal, can initially be confused by the flu virus. Pneumonia symptoms can include a productive cough (bringing up green or yellow sputum), shortness of breath, fever, chills, and pain in your chest.
Can mononucleosis cause a fever?
While the infection itself isn’t usually serious, it can cause serious complications. Signs of mononucleosis include fever, sore throat, fatigue, and swollen lymph glands. Symptoms that would not be mistaken for the flu include swollen tonsils, skin rash, and a swollen spleen.
What symptoms to look for
Early signs of cold, flu and Covid-19 tend to be similar, El-Sayed said.
When to test for Covid-19
It is often good to address your suspicions of Covid-19 by taking a test, although when you do it makes a difference.
What to do if your child starts sniffling
Looking ahead to the return to school after the winter break, the US is at a point where people need to treat cold or flu symptoms the same as Covid-19, Combs said.
How long does it take for a cold to clear?
The common cold tends to clear up on its own in three to four days, says Melisa Lai Becker, MD, site chief of emergency medicine at Cambridge Health Alliance. It starts with a scratchy throat, congestion, and runny nose, and then a cough usually develops. While your cough and post-nasal drip may linger, most head cold symptoms should disappear ...
What does it mean when your fever is low?
Lai Becker. A consistent fever could mean you actually have the flu or mono —so be diligent about checking it, even if it doesn’t feel super intense.
Can allergies be a cold?
It can be hard to distinguish allergies from a cold, since they have similar symptoms. But allergies will often follow a pattern, says Dr. Lai Becker. If you notice your symptoms are worse after spending time outside or with a pet, or they tend to come and go with a certain season, you likely have allergies.
Can strep cause a fever?
Most patients with strep will develop a high fever in the first few days of illness, so be wary of sudden spikes in your temperature. "Strep throat is one thing you really want to distinguish from a cold," she says. "Left untreated, it can cause rheumatic fever and lead to serious heart problems.".
Is chest pain a sign of a cold?
chest-pain-heart-burn. Credit: reklamlar/Getty Images. Even though a cough is a normal symptom of a cold, it shouldn’t be so severe that it causes shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest pain, says Dr. Mysore.
Does the flu make you feel achy?
On the other hand, the flu can make your muscles and body feel achy, and can also be accompanied by fatigue and chills. "With the flu, you’ll feel like you got hit by a truck," says Dr. Mysore. Just getting out of bed will wear you out, and your muscles will be tender and sore.
Can a cold cause nausea?
Having nausea with a cold —as well as vomiting and diarrhea—isn't typical, so symptoms like these could signal something more serious, such as the flu. It’s important to get medical attention if you’re experiencing these symptoms consistently, as they can cause you to become dehydrated, says Dr. Mysore.