Is it COVID, the flu, or the widespread chilly? The completely different signs in 2022

Medical consultants affirm that the overlapping signs could make it tough to decipher which virus you may have, which is why it’s vital to get examined, says Dr. Benjamin Abramoff, assistant professor of scientific bodily drugs and rehabilitation and the director of the Penn Medication put up COVID evaluation and restoration clinic. Testing for COVID-19 and the flu may help you perceive the perfect plan of action, corresponding to speaking along with your physician about whether or not it’s best to take medicine like Paxlovid or Tamiflu, which might cut back the period of COVID and flu respectively, or whether or not you have to isolate from household and for a way lengthy. 

What’s the distinction between flu and covid?

Flu and COVID are each respiratory sicknesses that come up from the unfold of various viruses. The flu often peaks between December and February, in line with the U.S. Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC), and the severity of the flu will depend on the season and the way the flu vaccine correlates to what circulates, says Dr. Preeti Malani, an infectious illness doctor on the College of Michigan. 

COVID-19 isn’t tied to a specific season though consultants speculate that there can be one other COVID wave between October and January. 

Though having both the flu or COVID can current as asymptomatic, these with the flu sometimes really feel signs straight away, between one and 4 days after an infection, whereas these with COVID can really feel them from two to 5 days after or anyplace as much as 14 days, per the CDC. 

COVID is reported to unfold extra simply than the flu, particularly when individuals are asymptomatic. 

Whereas flu and COVID appear comparable on the onset, put up COVID signs, like mind fog, fatigue, change in scent or style amongst others, are distinctive to the virus and nonetheless being studied. 

What are the signs of COVID, the flu and the widespread chilly?

In line with the CDC, the signs of any viral an infection are comparable, though it’s extra widespread to have a lack of scent and style in case you’re expiring a COVID-19 response versus the flu or a chilly. Listed here are the signs, with info from the AAFA and the CDC.

Chilly signs

How quickly after publicity signs begin: 1-3 days

Fever: Brief fever interval

Aches: Frequent

Chills: no

Fatigue, weak point: generally

Sneezing: Frequent

Cough: Frequent (gentle)

Stuffy nostril: Frequent

Sore throat: Frequent

Headache: Uncommon

Shortness of breath: No

Chest tightness/ache: No

Lack of style/scent: Uncommon

Diarrhea, nausea and vomiting: Uncommon

COVID signs

How quickly after publicity signs begin: 2-5 days, however as much as 14

Fever: Frequent

Aches: Frequent

Chills: Frequent

Fatigue, weak point: Frequent

Sneezing: Uncommon

Cough: Frequent (often dry)

Stuffy nostril: Frequent

Sore throat: Frequent

Headache: Frequent

Shortness of breath: Frequent

Chest tightness/ache: Generally

Lack of style/scent: Frequent

Diarrhea, nausea and vomiting: Frequent

Flu Signs

How quickly after publicity signs begin: 1-4 days

Fever: Frequent

Aches: Frequent

Chills: Generally

Fatigue/weak point: Frequent

Sneezing: No

Cough: Frequent (often dry)

Stuffy nostril: Generally

Sore throat: Generally

Headache: Frequent

Shortness of breath: No

Chest tightness/ache: No

Lack of style/scent: Uncommon

Diarrhea, nausea and vomiting: Generally

AAFA does be aware that colds and flus can result in bronchial asthma which current with bother respiration, chest ache or tightness and/or speedy respiration. 

How unhealthy will the flu and COVID be this winter?

Whereas it’s unclear how COVID-19 and the flu will manifest within the coming months, consultants have their considerations. This season could also be “a very unhealthy flu season, on prime of one other potential COVID surge,” Abramoff says. 

And “Omicron spinoffs” just like the newly circulating BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 could improve COVID instances, though consultants say the bivalent COVID booster will nonetheless improve safety. 

To remain on prime of the sick season, it’s finest to be proactive, get vaccinated, boosted and take a look at when you have signs, Abramoff says. 

The underside line just isn’t exposing folks in case you really feel sick, says Malani, noting it’s vital to remain residence from work while you really feel any signs related to these viruses. 

“It turns into socially acceptable and, the truth is very, very inspired for folks to say, ‘I’m not feeling effectively’ and ‘I can’t come to work.’” 

Join the Fortune Options electronic mail listing so that you don’t miss our greatest options, unique interviews, and investigations.