Respiratory infections: Cold, flu, and COVID-19
During the winter months, respiratory illness such as cold, flu, and COVID-19, tend to circulate widely. Why? Because people move their events and gatherings indoors where respiratory viruses can spread more easily. The good news is that there are things that we can do to reduce our chances of getting or spreading respiratory viruses, including washing our hands frequently, staying home when you are sick, and getting vaccinated.
Is it cold, flu or COVID-19?
Wondering how to tell the difference between cold and flu, and COVID-19? Use this handy chart to help distinguish your symptoms:
Signs and symptoms
|
Cold
|
Flu
|
COVID-19*
|
|
No symptoms
|
Never
|
Never
|
Common
|
|
Symptom start
|
Gradual; symptoms peak within two to three days and last for up to 10–14 days
|
Abrupt; symptoms typically develop one to four days after infection
|
Gradual or abrupt, with symptoms typically starting five days after being infected but can range from 2–14 days |
|
Fever
|
Rare
|
Usual; lasts three to four days
|
Sometimes
|
|
Aches
|
Slight
|
Usual; often severe
|
Usual; often severe
|
|
Chills
|
Uncommon
|
Fairly common
|
Fairly common
|
|
Fatigue, weakness
|
Sometimes
|
Usual
|
Usual
|
|
Sneezing
|
Common
|
Sometimes
|
Sometimes
|
|
Chest discomfort, cough
|
Mild to moderate; hacking cough
|
Common; can be severe
|
Common, can be severe
|
|
Stuffy, runny nose
|
Common
|
Sometimes
|
Sometimes
|
|
Sore throat
|
Common
|
Sometimes
|
Sometimes
|
|
Headache
|
Rare
|
Common
|
Common
|
|
Vomiting and diarrhea
|
Rare
|
More common in children than adults
|
More common in children than adults
|
|
Change or loss of taste or smell
|
Not applicable
|
Not applicable
|
Common
|
*It is possible to catch the flu, a cold, and COVID-19 at the same time and only a test will confirm if you are infected.
