It’s sniffles season again. But how can you tell whether you have a cold, the flu, COVID-19 or another infection? This symptom guide might point you in the right direction.
| | Cold | COVID-19 | Flu | Strep Throat | Bronchitis |
| What is it? | Viral infection | Coronavirus | Viral infection | Bacterial infection | Viral infection |
| Symptoms | - Low-grade fever - Sneezing, runny nose - Mild cough - Slight muscle aches | - Cough - Difficulty breathing - Fever - Vomiting and diarrhea (mostly in children) - Loss of taste or smell - Sore throat - Headache | - Sudden and high fever above 101°F - Stuffy, runny nose - Headache - Muscle Aches | - Fever - Pain when swallowing - Sore throat that may start quickly - Red and swollen tonsils - Red spots on roof of mouth | - Coughing with or without mucus - Soreness in chest - Fatigue - Mild headache - Mild body aches |
| Best Prevention | Wash your hands often and avoid close contact with people who are sick | Wear a face covering, maintain social distancing of 6 ft. and wash your hands often | Get your annual flu vaccine and wash hands often | Practice good hand hygiene | Wash your hands often, don’t smoke and stay up to date on recommended vaccines |
| Best Course of Action | Rest and Over-The-Counter Medicines | Call your doctor and avoid contact with others | Rest, fluids and antiviral medicines, if needed | Antibiotics after positive strep test | Rest, fluids and clean humidifier or cool-mist vaporizer |
When to See the Doctor?
If your symptoms don’t improve or you start noticing new symptoms, schedule a visit to your primary care provider. Help prevent the flu by getting your seasonal flu vaccine either at your primary care provider’s office or schedule an appointment with your nearest urgent care location.
