Do you find our website to be helpful?
Yes   No
Skip to main content
770-927-7857 Book Online

’Tis the Season: Know the Difference Between the Flu, a Cold, and COVID-19

Woodstock Family Practice & Urgent Care Blog ’Tis the Season: Know the Difference Between the Flu, a Cold, and COVID-19
’Tis the Season: Know the Difference Between the Flu, a Cold, and COVID-19

We don’t typically recommend self-diagnosis, but when it comes to common illnesses, it’s good to be able to identify the symptoms, so you know how to care for yourself and your family, and know when to seek help. 

When you need prompt, high-quality professional medical care, come see us at Woodstock Family Practice & Urgent Care. 

Dr. James Lee and our team care for families throughout Woodstock, Georgia, and the surrounding communities by building long-term relationships, managing chronic illnesses, and offering same-day and walk-in appointments for those times when you need immediate help.

This winter, many of our patients have asked us how to tell the difference between the flu, the common cold, and COVID-19. Here, Dr. Lee outlines the primary symptoms to give you a better idea of how each virus behaves. 

Distinguishing symptoms of COVID-19, colds, and flu

Although the symptoms may seem similar, it’s important to know that each of these three conditions stems from a very different virus. The influenza virus causes the flu, the SARS-CoV-2 virus causes COVID-19, and several different viruses can cause the common cold, including seasonal coronaviruses.

When any of these viruses attacks your body, several symptoms can crop up, making it hard to tell which virus you’re dealing with. Here are the top symptoms and their likelihood with each virus.

Fever

COVID-19: Fevers are common (100℉ or higher)

Colds: Rarely include a fever

Flu: Often comes with a high fever of about 100-102℉, and it may last three or four days

Sore throat

Headache

Fatigue, exhaustion, and weakness

Cough

Stuffy nose

Sneezing

Body aches

Runny nose

Diarrhea

Shortness of breath

Treating viruses

There are ways to treat your virus at home, but it’s important to know when signs are indicating that you should come see us for a physical exam and a medical diagnosis.

Colds

If you come down with a common cold this season, the best thing to do is rest, stay home, keep hydrated, run an air humidifier, and treat your symptoms with over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. To soothe a sore throat, gargle with a solution of warm water mixed with a teaspoon of salt. 

Come see Dr. Lee if your symptoms persist beyond two weeks, you have trouble breathing, you have a fever that lasts more than three days, or your symptoms get worse.

Flu

If your flu symptoms are mild, stay home to avoid infecting others, rest, drink plenty of liquids, and eat nutritious meals.

If you’re at risk for complications because you’re 65 or older; you have asthma, diabetes, or heart disease; or you have a compromised immune system, call us right away. Dr. Lee may prescribe an antiviral medication, which may lessen the severity of your symptoms and shorten the duration of the infection. 

Chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, confusion, and severe vomiting are signs you should seek medical care immediately.

COVID-19

Because most cases of COVID-19 are mild, you can care for yourself at home without risking the infection of others by visiting a medical care facility. Like cold and flu viruses, the COVID-19 virus typically runs its course within a week. The at-home advice is the same: rest, hydration, and OTC pain relievers.

However, if you’re an older adult and/or you have other health conditions that could put you at risk for a more serious case of COVID-19, call us so we can help you decide when to seek medical treatment.

Signs that you should seek emergency care include:

COVID-19 can become serious quickly, so monitor your symptoms carefully.

Preventing viruses

You can give yourself an advantage this winter by taking steps to avoid viruses, such as washing your hands often, not touching your mouth and nose, avoiding sick people, wearing a protective mask, and practicing safe coughing and sneezing hygiene, such as covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or sneezing/coughing into your inner elbow.

At Woodstock Family Practice & Urgent Care, we also offer seasonal flu shots and the COVID-19 vaccine. To schedule yours, book an appointment online or call us at 770-927-8273 today. 

You Might Also Enjoy...

5 Early Signs of Hypothyroidism in Women
Your period is out of whack, and you just don’t feel like yourself. It’s hard to describe, and you aren’t even sure it’s anything to worry about. Could it be hypothyroidism? Here’s how to tell.
How to Combat Hot Flashes and Night Sweats

How to Combat Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
One minute, you’re fine; the next, you’re ripping off your sweater and opening all of the windows — what gives? Your sudden surges of internal heat are telltale signs of menopause. Here’s how to keep your cool.

What Is Hypertension and What Can I Do About It?
In many cases, hypertension doesn’t produce symptoms for a long time. However, persistent high blood pressure can have serious consequences. Find out more here about high blood pressure and how to prevent it.
When to See a Doctor for Arthritis Pain

When to See a Doctor for Arthritis Pain
Over 52 million Americans have arthritis, but just because it’s common doesn’t mean it’s no big deal. Left unchecked, arthritis progresses and does irreversible damage to your joints. Here’s when to seek help.
Can You Grow Out of Allergies?

Can You Grow Out of Allergies?
Allergies can be annoying inconveniences at best and life-threatening conditions at worst. Are you stuck with your allergies for life, or is there hope of them fading away? Here’s what you need to know about growing out of allergies.