What Are the Symptoms of Cold, Flu and COVID-19?

How To Know Which Virus You Likely Have

With several different viruses circulating widely this holiday season, it can be difficult to know whether you have the common cold, the flu, or COVID-19. Generally, flu-related symptoms appear more suddenly and severely than cold symptoms.

Here are some of the most common symptoms of each virus.

Cold Syptoms

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

    Less common cold symptoms include a fever over 100 degrees and headache.
   

Flu Symptoms

•  Fever
•  Cough
•  Sore throat
•  Runny or nasal congestion
•  Body aches
•  Headaches
•  Fatigue

Less common flu symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea.

COVID-19 Symptoms

One of the reasons it can be difficult to determine whether you have a COVID-19 infection is that it can lead to mild symptoms that are similar to a cold, or more severe flu-like symptoms. These are some common COVID-19 symptoms to be on the lookout for:

•  Fever
•  Cough
•  Shortness of breath

Less common COVID-19 symptoms:

•  Loss of taste and smell
•  Diarrhea
•  Sore throat
•  Headache
•  Repeated shaking with chills
•  Muscle pain

If you think you may have a viral infection, it's important to avoid infecting others by staying home from work or school and avoiding close contact with family members. Contact your health care provider for diagnosis and treatment.