- AdventHealth
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 make an online reservation online.