How to Tell the Difference Between Cold, Flu, and Coronavirus

COVID, the flu and the common cold are three respiratory infections that have blurred the lines when it comes to identifying their very subtle differences — especially in the midst of flu season, it is important to know the differences between these three in order to ensure your safety and the safety of others. It can be very difficult to differentiate due to their overlaps in signs and symptoms, but tracking these can make it easier for you to identify what you may have been infected with before getting tested.

COVID is a respiratory disease caused by the SARS-Cov-2 virus in which arial droplets are its main mode of transmission. COVID spreads mainly through droplets that are excreted when we talk, laugh, cough, sneeze, sing, breathe, or anything along those lines. A secondary mode of transmission is through coming in contact with a surface that has been exposed to COVID droplets and touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Currently there is only one drug on the market to treat COVID — Remdesivr, and two FDA approved vaccines: Pfizer and Moderna.

COVID vs. Cold

The common cold — caused by variations of the rhinovirus — and COVIDhave similar modes of transport and the most common symptoms of the cold include cough, sore throat, runny/stuffy nose, and loss of taste or smell due to congestion. Similarly, COVID has many overlapping symptoms as well, however the main differences between them is a dry cough, not usually found in the common cold, and the loss of taste or smell WITHOUT congestion. Other signs that it may not be a cold are: diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, a fever, or headache which rarely happen with a cold. Sneezing, however, is not a common symptom for COVID but is a common cold symptom.

The incubation period for COVID is 2–14 days, while the cold has a 1–3 day period. There are no vaccines for the common cold, but there are many pain relievers and remedies on the market to treat cold symptoms.

COVID Vs. Flu

The Flu, caused by Influenza A&B, once again has very similar means of transmission to COVID — via droplets — and both the Flu and COVID can cause no symptoms or can cause mild to severe symptoms. The overlap in these symptoms is also much greater than that of the cold and testing is often necessary to confirm. Some of their differences include a dry cough with COVID as opposed to a wet cough, and a loss of taste or smell not commonly found with the flu.

The incubation period for the flu is 1–4 days after exposure. Annually, a flu vaccine is released to help prevent contracting the flu and there are many antivirals on the market to treat it.

See the figure below for an illustration on the similarities and differences between the three. If you suspect you have COVID, get tested and be sure to quarantine until you receive your results.

About Us

Here at HealthNeed Medical Urgent Care, our main goal is to provide an easy and friendly walk-in experience that will have you face to face with one of our many medical specialists within minutes of checking in and without an appointment. Our team of medical experts offers treatments anywhere from bandaging small scrapes and cuts to IVs. Come check out our offices that are open 365 days a year. We provide pediatric as well as senior medical care, with most health insurances accepted.

Queens Crossing
38–21 Main St, Suite 1A
Flushing, NY 11354

Wheelchair Accessible Entrance:
136–17 39th Ave, Suite 1A
Flushing, NY 11354

Phone: (718) 888–1808

Terms of Use and Disclaimer — The information contained in this document has been culled from online resources and government agencies and is for general informational purposes only. The information is provided in good faith to support the community and our friends impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We makes no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein. Your use of this document and your reliance on the information contained herein is solely at your own risk. All liability with respect to any reader, user or browser’s reliance on this document and/or actions taken or not taken based on the contents of this document is hereby expressly disclaimed.