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.
