These days it’s hard to tell what your reason could be for feeling unwell. With COVID-19 still posing as a threat to our community, flu season coming into effect, and seasonal allergies among us, it’s important to know which symptoms require immediate attention.
Many symptoms of the common cold, flu, and coronavirus are similar, making it difficult to differentiate. If you’re concerned about getting sick, it’s important to know what your symptoms are for the recommended treatment. Let’s take a look at the different symptoms between COVID-19, influenza, and seasonal allergies:
Coronavirus Symptoms
The most common symptoms of coronavirus are fever, fatigue, and cough. You can check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines on the primary symptoms of COVID-19 and further advice to take. Though these are not all the possible symptoms, these symptoms include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Pro Tip: It’s important to note that some people may contract the virus without showing symptoms or feeling ill, but can still transmit the virus to those around them. This is why it’s crucial to stay home if you think you’ve been exposed to the novel coronavirus.
Influenza
While symptoms of the flu are very similar to those of COVID-19, coronavirus pathogens are more closely related to the common cold. It can be difficult to distinguish between the flu and coronavirus, which is why it’s recommended to get flu vaccinations to minimize your risk. The primary symptoms of the seasonal flu are:
- Fever
- Cough
- Body aches
- Headache
- Fatigue
A mild case of the flu can properly be treated by a medical professional with the management of symptoms such as fever, coughs, and nasal congestion.
Seasonal Allergies
Allergy symptoms are usually chronic and can affect people off and on for weeks or months at a time. Unlike the flu and COVID, seasonal allergies won’t cause body aches or a fever. Itchy eyes and sneezing are usually only related to allergies. Allergies that are left untreated can lead to respiratory infections caused by a buildup of bacteria. The main symptoms of seasonal allergies are:
- Runny/stuffy nose
- Itchy eyes, mouth, or skin
- Sneezing
What to Do If You Have Symptoms
If you are concerned about upcoming allergies, the flu, or COVID-19 because of any of the symptoms listed, it’s best to see your medical provider for testing and treatment. If you’re experiencing difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain, or skin discoloration, you should seek immediate medical attention. Visit our clinic for your annual flu shot, testing for COVID-19, or treatment of seasonal allergies.
Contact us to learn more about the symptoms of potential viruses and to schedule an appointment.
