When the Symptoms Could Be Almost Anything
When it comes to feeling under the weather, we've all been there. And, searching the internet for our symptoms shows we could have any number of different illnesses. When many different conditions include aches, coughs, sniffles or fatigue, how do we know if it's allergies, a cold, COVID or the flu? Because, after all, it's hard to treat a condition when you don't know what you're dealing with.
Don't worry; we can help. Here are some ways to tell the difference among these ailments.
Allergies
General allergy symptoms often include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing and itchy or watery eyes, which can be triggered by pollen, dust or other environmental elements. Unlike COVID or the flu, general allergies rarely come with fever, muscle aches, a sore throat or nausea. However, an acute allergic reaction, usually severe and immediate, can present life-threatening symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat, and a rapid heartbeat. For such symptoms, emergency care may be needed.
Colds
Unlike the flu, which develops abruptly, colds develop gradually. Common symptoms are a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough and sneezing. Fevers are possible but less likely than with the flu or COVID. Since the main differentiator between a cold and COVID-19 is loss of taste and smell, it's best to get tested to determine your ailment.
COVID
Symptoms can include fever, cough, shortness of breath and fatigue, making it hard to differentiate from a cold or the flu. However, colds last a few days to a week, and flu symptoms last one to two weeks. COVID-19, on the other hand, can cause more prolonged symptoms than that. If you feel sick, especially if you're not sneezing and have lost your sense of smell or taste, it's important to get tested.
Flu
The flu, or influenza, comes on suddenly (unlike the common cold) and often has symptoms including high fever, chills, body aches, cough, sore throat, fatigue and headaches. While the flu shares many symptoms with COVID-19, the onset of the flu is usually more abrupt and doesn't cause loss of taste or smell, rashes or red and swollen eyes. And again, it's always good to test.
If your symptoms are not severe or life-threatening, urgent care can help. There, healthcare professionals can diagnose your condition, suggest ways to manage your symptoms and prescribe medicine or recommend over-the-counter options to get you back on your feet.
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