Is it the COLD, FLU or COVID-19?
We’re just around the corner of 2022 and in the middle of the holiday season cheer. But, we’re also in the full season of colds and flu. Each time we catch a sniffle we tend to wonder, “Is it the COLD, FLU or COVID?”
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? Since the pandemic, we no longer see a run-of-the-mill cold or a mild case of the flu in the same light. Possibly the one positive thing that has resulted in a greater awareness of the dangers of getting sick or spreading an illness to the vulnerable population. The world as a whole has learned about the importance of handwashing and staying away from others should they be sick to avoid the risk of transmitting illnesses, not just COVID, but all illnesses.
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
Symptoms
COVID-19
Symptoms Range from Mild to Life Severe
Cold
Gradual Onset of Symptoms
Flu
Rapid Onset of Symptoms
Fever
100°F or Higher
Common
Rare
Common
Cough
Common (Usually Dry)
Common (Usually Mild)
Common (Usually Dry)
Loss of Sense of Smell/Taste
Common
Sometimes
Sometimes
Sneezing
No
Common
No
Aches and Pains
Sometimes
Common
Common
Nasal Congestion (Runny or Stuffy Nose)
Rare
Common
Sometimes
Sore Throat
Sometimes
Common
Sometimes
Diarrhea
Rare
No
Sometimes (Mostly in Children)
Headache
Sometimes
Rare
Common
Shortness of Breath
Sometimes
No
No
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, Mesquite, and surrounding cities.
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. View our Plano and Mesquite locations.
#1 Medical Emergency Care in Plano & Mesquite
Find the ER Specialists at prestigeer.org, We provide the Best 24 HR. Emergency Medical Services. Don’t Wait in Line for ER Care! Don’t forget that WE STAY OPEN 24/7.
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