Do You Have The Common Cold Or Is It COVID-19?

With fall in full swing and winter quickly approaching, many of us are beginning to think about cold and flu season and how it may be different this year with the addition of the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the most common questions from patients is how to tell the difference between the flu, COVID, and cold or allergies. Unfortunately, all of these conditions have a number of shared symptoms, which can make it difficult to self-diagnose. However, there are several tools and tips that can help you get a better idea of what condition you may have before you are able to get to the doctor. Without a doubt, though, a professional evaluation and diagnosis is the most appropriate and reliable way to find out whether you have COVID-19, the flu, a cold, or something else.

 

The knowledgeable team of board-certified emergency room physicians and professional staff at iCare ER & Urgent Care in Fort Worth and Frisco, TX is dedicated to providing rapid, accurate, and reliable testing for COVID-19, the flu, and a number of other conditions so that appropriate treatment and care can be administered quickly. Learn more about the differences between COVID-19 and cold symptoms here, and find out how you can protect yourself from getting sick this season.

 

How is coronavirus different from common cold?

By now, most of us know that COVID-19, or coronavirus, is caused by the novel virus SARS-CoV-2. Flu, on the other hand, is caused by the influenza virus. Both the flu and COVID-19 can pose serious health risks to some patients. The common cold, however, is typically not dangerous and can be caused by several different viruses. All three conditions are highly contagious and can spread from person to person, making it essential to practice safety and hygiene measures to protect yourself and others.

 

Is coronavirus worse than a cold?

In terms of the potential risk it poses to the general population and the absence of a vaccine or cure, coronavirus is certainly a bigger danger than the common cold. However, coronavirus has a wide variation in its presentation from patient to patient, meaning some patients may be completely asymptomatic while others may have severe and even life-threatening symptoms. For patients with the common cold, symptoms can be more or less severe from person to person, though they are typically relatively mild, not dangerous, and resolve on their own within a few days or weeks.

 

How do I know if I have COVID-19, the flu, or a cold?

Because many of the symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to common cold and flu symptoms, it can be challenging to know what illness you may have without a professional diagnosis. Further complicating matters is the fact that, for some patients, COVID-19 may not produce any symptoms whatsoever. Visiting your nearest Fort Worth or Frisco emergency room is the best way to receive fast and accurate testing, diagnosis, and care for COVID-19, the flu, and other conditions. In the meantime, it is helpful to be aware of some of the common signs and symptoms of each condition to watch for:

 

Symptoms of a cold

• Mildly elevated temperature (up to 101 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Coughing
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Sinus congestion

 

Symptoms of flu

• Elevated temperature (up to 103 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Chills
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Coughing
• Sore throat
• Nasal congestion

 

Symptoms of COVID-19

• Elevated temperature (up to 103 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Chills
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Coughing
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Sudden loss of taste or smell

 

Again, some patients may present with a completely asymptomatic case of COVID-19, but they can still transmit the virus to another person. Even if you are asymptomatic, it is important to continue practicing safety measures to prevent further spread of the virus.

 

How do I protect myself from COVID-19 and the flu?

Fortunately, many of the practices for preventing the spread of COVID-19 also help to prevent the spread of the flu, the cold, and other viruses and germs. The flu vaccine is also one of the most proven and effective ways to protect yourself against the flu. At both of our iCare ER & Urgent Care locations in Frisco and Fort Worth, we offer flu shots without an appointment for added convenience and peace of mind for you and your family. In addition, following the CDC’s guidelines and other health and safety routines can help reduce the spread of COVID-19, the flu, and cold viruses. These include:

 

• Wash hands frequently
• Use hand sanitizer
• Wear a mask or face covering
• Avoid large gatherings
• Practice social distancing
• Clean and disinfect high-traffic surfaces regularly

 

If you or a family member begin to show symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or the flu, it is important to get tested as soon as possible and self-isolate until you receive your results.

 

Prevent the spread of the flu and COVID-19 in North Texas

Whether you need a flu vaccine or a COVID test in Frisco or Fort Worth, our exceptional team of board-certified emergency room physicians and professional staff at iCare ER & Urgent Care are here to provide rapid and reliable care. Keep yourself and your family safe and healthy this flu season by understanding which signs and symptoms may mean you need to visit your nearest emergency room and what steps you can take to protect yourself from getting sick.