How to tell covid from flu

Many people need clarification on which illness they are dealing with when distinguishing between the symptoms of COVID-19 and the classic flu. Both diseases have very similar symptoms, which can be confusing, especially in the colder months when respiratory illnesses are prevalent.

We'll give you some advice on how to better navigate between these illnesses.

Flu symptoms vs. COVID-19 symptoms

COVID-19 and influenza are both viral infections that affect the respiratory tract. The SARS-CoV-2 virus causes COVID-19, while influenza is caused by the influenza A or B virus. Although both diseases can cause similar symptoms, they have some key differences.

The symptoms of influenza include mainly the following:

• Sudden onset of fever - usually occurs quickly, often in conjunction with the onset of chills.
• Muscle and joint pain - a feeling of general weakness and body aches.
• Dry cough - may occur, often milder than with COVID-19.
• Sore throat and runny nose are typical with influenza but less common with COVID-19.
• Fatigue and exhaustion - intense tiredness that may persist for days or weeks.
• Headaches - often occur with influenza, sometimes in combination with eye pain.
• Severe flu symptoms - severe shortness of breath, chest tightness, chest pain, similar to covid.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include the following:

• Elevated temperature and fever - similar to the flu, but may not be very severe.
• Dry cough - often more pronounced and persistent.
• Loss of taste and smell is a unique symptom common in COVID-19 but not usually seen in influenza.
• Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing are more common in COVID-19, especially in more severe cases.
• Headache and fatigue are similar to flu but may be more prolonged and intense.
• Gastrointestinal symptoms - diarrhoea and vomiting may occur with COVID-19 but are rare with influenza.
• Itchy rash and conjunctivitis.
• Severe symptoms of COVID-19 - severe shortness of breath, chest pain, chest tightness, loss of speech, loss of ability to move, confusion, coughing up blood, kidney failure.

How long does it take to the symptoms to appear?

Flu symptoms appear quickly, usually within 1 to 4 days after infection. The illness tends to appear suddenly and lasts about 3 to 7 days.

Symptoms of COVID-19 can appear within 2 to 14 days after infection, which means that the incubation period is more extended than for influenza. The illness can last longer, especially in severe cases that require hospitalization.

Whether the symptoms are flu or COVID, it's always better to be vigilant, seek help early, take adequate precautions against the spread of infection, and, if necessary, get everything tested to be sure which disease you have.

If you want to avoid getting the flu, you can also get vaccinated against it at our clinic.