Cold Flu or COVID-19?

How to Tell If It’s a Cold, The Flu, or COVID-19

Winter is almost here, and with it comes the dreaded seasons for colds and flu, which is bad enough. But this year, we have an added complication with the coronavirus still spreading through our communities.

The common cold, the flu, and COVID-19 are all viral respiratory illnesses. Even though the viruses that cause each disease are different, some symptoms can be broadly similar. These similarities can make it hard to distinguish one illness from another and know when to seek medical attention.

Main Differences Between the Common Cold, The Flu, and COVID-19

Imagine you wake up one morning with a little tickle in your throat and feeling a bit under the weather. What is the first thing that crosses your mind? If this were any other year, you would probably assume you had a run-of-the-mill cold or a mild case of the flu. But this is 2020, and we are amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which inevitably adds a growing concern to getting sick.

So, how can you know if you or a family member has a simple cold, the flu, or something potentially more dangerous like COVID-19?

Most viral respiratory illnesses have overlapping symptoms, but they also have stark differences.

The Common Cold

Cold symptoms are generally mild. Most people don’t require medical attention and can recover at home by getting plenty of rest, drinking lots of fluids, and taking antiviral medications.

Influenza or The Flu

Influenza symptoms are generally moderate to severe, and it’s crucial to monitor disease progression to avoid severe complications.

The most common influenza complication is pneumonia. However, some individuals may develop severe inflammation in different organs such as the heart (Myocarditis) or the brain (Encephalitis), leading to kidney failure, multi-organ system failure, or even death.

Please come to Prestige ER to get evaluated if you get sick with the flu and your symptoms worsen.

COVID-19

Scientists are still learning about the illness’s long-term effects. And new symptoms are continually being discovered.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, fatigue, dry cough, and muscle aches. Symptoms range from moderate to severe and could lead to serious health complications and even death.

Symptom Differences Between COVID-19, The Common Cold and The Flu

When to Seek Medical Help

If you feel sick, use the above chart to determine which illness you are more likely to have. It’s important to not auto-diagnose; instead, speak to your doctor about your symptoms and follow their guidance.

Pay attention to new or worsening symptoms and seek immediate medical help if you develop any of the following:

• Trouble breathing
• Chest Pain
• High fevers, sweats, or chills that last for several days
• Sudden dizziness or confusion
• Elevated blood pressure
• Worsening symptoms or symptoms that don’t improve within 3-4 days
• Intense or persistent vomiting
• Trouble swallowing
• If your child seems lethargic or has trouble responding to stimuli

At Prestige ER, we’ve stood by the community during these challenging times, and we will continue to do so. Our state-of-the-art facility is open 24/7/365.

Prestige ER provides quality emergency care with a personal touch, and best of all, minimum wait times. Get the attention you need when you need it most.

HealthCare.gov recommends that in case of an emergency, you head straight to the closest ER.

You DO NOT need to get prior approval from your health insurance company.

They will cover expenses barring whatever your deductible and coinsurance/copayments are for emergency treatments.
Prestige ER is open and ready to care for you during an emergency in which your health is significantly jeopardized 24/7, we work with all major insurance companies and our Patient Advocate team is available to help you understand your coverage and rights. We will guide and fight for you every step of the way.

They will cover expenses barring whatever your deductible and coinsurance/copayments are for emergency treatments.

Prestige ER is open and ready to care for you during an emergency in which your health is significantly jeopardized 24/7, we work with all major insurance companies and our Patient Advocate team is available to help you understand your coverage and rights. We will guide and fight for you every step of the way.  For more information regarding your rights as a patient, view our Insurance Information.

Know Where to Go in the Event of an Emergency

Prestige ER is Your #1 Choice During an Emergency.

#WeStayOPEN 24/7, through weekends & all holidays!

Prestige ER is honored to serve the residents and those passing through Plano and surrounding cities like Frisco and Allen.
Part of caring for your health is to know where to go in case of an emergency.  Please keep in mind that Prestige ER is Open 24/7 every day of the year, if you need us, we are here for you.
We are available 24/7 because an accident can happen at any time. Do not risk your health! Get help from the ER experts when you need it, visit us immediately on 7940 Custer Road Plano, Texas 75025.

#1 Medical Emergency Care in Plano, Near Frisco and Allen

Find the ER Specialists at prestigeer.org, We provide the Best 24 HR. Emergency Medical Services in Plano. Don’t Wait in Line for ER Care!  Don’t forget that WE STAY OPEN 24/7.
Get back on track to enjoying life, FAST! Experienced, Effective and Caring Emergency Physicians team up with the best On-Site ER care for everything from Minor to Major Injuries and Conditions.

• CT Scan, Digital X-Ray & Ultrasound
• Certified Full-Service Diagnostic Laboratory
• Specialized Pediatrics ER Care Facilities
• Extended Stay Capacity