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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.
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