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Cold, Flu or COVID-19 Virus?

Cold, Flu, Allergies, or Covid - infographic


This information has been reviewed and approved by Patrick Stendel, MPH, Infection Preventionist (January 2024).



Cold, Flu or COVID-19 virus?


SymptomsColdFluCOVID-19
Symptoms beginGraduallyAbruptlyWithin 14 days of exposure
Symptoms last4 - 10 days5 - 7 daysVaries by person
Body achesSometimes
ChillsLess commonSometimes
Dry cough
Exposure to germs
Fatigue/weakness
FeverLess common
HeadachesLess commonSometimes
Itchy eyes
Nasal congestionSometimes
Nausea/Vomiting/DiarrheaSometimesSometimesSometimes
New loss of taste or smellSometimesSometimes
Repeated shaking with chillsSometimesSometimesSometimes
Runny noseSometimes
SneezeSometimes
Sore throatSometimes
Shortness of breathLess common
Symptoms get worse

 

Think You Have COVID-19?

  • Stay home and away from others.
  • Monitor symptoms.
  • Rest.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes.
  • Wash hands with soap and water often.
  • Treat symptoms.


Contact your doctor if you have a fever, cough, difficulty breathing or existing chronic disease.

COVID-19 symptoms can be slightly different with the Delta variant.