How to Differentiate Between a Cold, the Flu, and COVID and When to Get Tested

October brings vibrant foliage, a crispness in the air, and an increase in respiratory illnesses, including colds, the flu, and COVID-19.

Whatever your ailment,  the experienced team at Comprehensive Primary Care in Lawrenceville, Johns Creek, and Snellville, Georgia, has you covered. That starts with helping you determine the cause of your symptoms. 

Since several respiratory illnesses share similar symptoms, self-diagnosis can be a challenging task. Here’s what our team wants you to know.

Comparing symptoms

While a cold, the flu, and COVID-19 are all respiratory illnesses, different viruses cause them and can affect your body in various ways. The following are some of the key differences in symptoms:

Common cold

A cold is generally milder than the flu or COVID-19. Symptoms usually appear gradually and can include:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Sneezing

The flu (Influenza)

Flu symptoms tend to develop suddenly and can be more severe than those of a cold. Common symptoms include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue
• Cough
• Sore throat

COVID-19

COVID-19 has a wide range of symptoms, which can appear anywhere from two to 14 days after exposure. Some typical symptoms include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• New loss of taste or smell

A new loss of taste or smell without a stuffy nose is a strong indicator of COVID-19. However, with so many overlapping symptoms, testing is the only way to be sure.

When to get tested

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, it’s essential to get tested to confirm a diagnosis, which helps ensure you get the proper care and take steps to prevent spreading the virus to others. We also recommend getting your annual flu shot to protect yourself and your community.

We recommend that anyone with COVID-19 symptoms get tested. There are two main types of tests:

• Antigen tests** are rapid tests that can be completed at home and provide results in as little as 15 minutes.
• PCR tests** are more sensitive and considered the gold standard for diagnosis.

We also test for influenza, which we recommend for patients at high risk of complications. Your healthcare provider inserts a long cotton swab deep into one of your nostrils or around the nasal walls. 

This test can help your doctor determine whether antiviral treatment, such as Tamiflu, is the most suitable course of treatment.

If you’re feeling sick, don’t wait to seek care. Call the office nearest you or use our online scheduling portal today to learn more about testing, colds, the flu, COVID-19, and all your primary healthcare needs.