As most of the diseases’ symptoms are similar, it becomes impossible to tell whether they are suffering from flu, cold, or COVID. Whatever the situation is, whether you have been suffering because of climate change or any other symptom, it is necessary to see the doctor.
Let us first see the similarities between cold, COVID-19, and seasonal flu symptoms.
- Fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Difficulty in breathing
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Sore throat
- Children may experience symptoms of vomiting, and some adults too
However, some varied symptoms and factors also show the difference between these three diseases. Read on to find the major differences in flu, COVID, and cold.
Difference between Cold, Flu, And COVID-19
The difference between COVID, Cold, and Flu is based on versatile factors like the causes, the severity levels, and treatments. You can treat these symptoms with vaccinations and proper medication. Here’s how you can tell the difference between these three forms of diseases.
COVID-19 or Coronavirus: It is a respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and spreads among people in contact within two meters. This virus spreads through the droplets released during sneezing, breathing, coughing, or talking. If these droplets from the infected person are inhaled, it spreads the COVID-19. The patient feels tiredness, fever, and cough. The symptoms are visible within two to fourteen days. However, the new Coronavirus variant Omicron has already been detected among many people globally.
The Omicron wave started in December and will be more contagious than the Delta variant. However, the only cover against the COVID is increasing your immunity and getting vaccine. To stay fit and healthy, you need to eat a nutritious diet and join any online fitness class.
Cold: The seasonal flu and cold have many similar symptoms but many differences. When people have a cold, they experience a runny nose or the stuffy nose. It does not cause any serious complications. Along with an occasional runny nose, a person may feel weakness, fatigue, sore throat, sneezing, etc. You can treat these symptoms with medicines prescribed by your doctor.
Flu: Influenza A and B viruses cause it, and its symptoms appear one to four days after exposure to the virus. However, flu can be cured with the antiviral drug prescribed by doctors. Moreover, many symptoms are like the cold, but different symptoms mainly include chest discomfort, sore throat, muscle and body aches, diarrhea, vomiting, etc. A few patients can develop pneumonia that can be life-threatening and result in death mostly. So, it is necessary to administer the necessary medications before the situation worsens.
Wrapping Up!
If you feel any of these general or specific symptoms, it is time to get the test done, and if things are not coming under control, it is necessary to get your RT-PCR done, seeing the current situation. A healthy diet, exercise, meditation, a good lifestyle, and an increase in immunity can help manifold. So, wear your mask, use sanitizers, stay indoors, and stay safe!