Difference between COVID-19 and Flu

As the rainy season started, several people are suffering from a common cold. Flu is also common in this season. Besides, due to seasonal changes, few people suffer from allergies.

But, some symptoms for all these health conditions are similar. So, people may be in confusion and begin worrying when they catch a common cold.

Though they have similarities, there are some differences among all of them.

How do you differentiate these conditions?

Here is a list of symptoms for each condition to check your symptoms reduce your anxiety about COVID-19:

In a common cold, runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, sore throat and body aches are common symptoms. Cough is also mild. Headaches are infrequent and rare. Fever is also rare, but sometimes it may persist mild. You may experience fatigue sometimes. But, you do not have the symptoms of diarrhoea, shortness of breathing and breathing difficulties.

In seasonal allergies, runny nose, sneezing, cough and fatigue are common. You may experience fever and headaches sometimes. But you do not have body pains and aches.

The symptoms of flu are almost similar to those of COVID-19. Hence, do not panic if you have the symptoms. There are a few differences between flu and COVID-19. The main symptoms of flu are fever, cough, headaches and body pains. Runny nose, sore throat and fatigue are sometimes seen. Diarrhoea may also be seen in children. But, sneezing is infrequent and shortness of breath is rare.

In COVID-19, dry cough is found severely. Though fever is seen, body aches are occasional. Headache and sore throat are also occasional. Shortness of breath is seen mild to moderate. Breathing difficulties are common in severe infections.

So, compare the symptoms and take care accordingly. However, it is advised for the people who are in risk groups like children below 12 years, pregnant women, people aged above 60 years and those who have other ailments should visit the COVID-19 helpline if they find any symptoms of COVID-19 to get timely medical help.

Image Credit: ANBI – Associazione Nazionale Biotecnologi Italiani / CC BY-SA

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