Most people associate the flu season as an October to March event. The flu is around all year, and so far, A (H1N1) pdm09, A (H3N2), and B flu viruses are all circulating. Activity is low, but it is trending upward at a rate of 0.9%.
COVID-19 rates are also increasing. The week ending July 6th had a rate of 9.1%. One week later, it was up to 11%. Plus, the common cold is always around and can become an annoyance to people of all ages.
No matter which virus it is, the flu, COVID-19, and a cold can be very hard for some people to deal with. Older adults, infants, immunocompromised individuals, and those with chronic health conditions are at risk of severe complications like pneumonia and sepsis. A cold may lead to sinusitis, an ear infection, or asthma attacks and bronchitis.
Knowing which virus you have is important when it comes to treatments. How can you tell whether your symptoms are a cold, COVID-19, the flu, or something else?
What Are Your Symptoms?
Knowing the main symptoms of a cold, the flu, and COVID-19 helps determine which you have. Our chart will help, though people can respond to viruses differently. This is meant to be a guide and not a definitive answer. You might have a cold and find your sense of smell changes, and it can be due to a developing sinus infection or severe congestion.
| Common Symptom | Cold | COVID-19 | Flu |
| Achy Joints, Skin, and Muscles | No | Yes | Yes |
| Congestion | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cough | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Diarrhea | No | Yes | Sometimes |
| Difficulty Breathing | No | Yes | Yes |
| Fever/Chills | Sometimes | Yes | Yes |
| Headache | No | Yes | Yes |
| Low Energy/Exhaustion | No | Yes | Yes |
| Nausea/Vomiting | No | Yes | Yes |
| Runny Nose | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sense of Smell Changes | Sometimes | Yes | No |
| Sneezing | Yes | Yes | Sometimes |
| Sore Throat | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Watery Eyes | Yes | No | Yes |
A cold’s symptoms tend to be milder than those you experience with a cold. There are also so many different variants of a cold that symptoms vary greatly. The best way to know if it is COVID-19 is by getting tested. If you have the flu and experience difficulty breathing, it’s time to talk to a doctor just in case it’s progressed into pneumonia.
How to Take Care of Yourself
What should you do if you’re sick? Most of the time, it’s best to stay home and ride it out. Here are a few tips to help you get through it.
Isolate Yourself
Avoid contact with others. Your system is busy battling the virus. Exposure to others puts them at risk of getting it, but it also exposes you to any germs they’re carrying. It’s best to avoid picking up something else and making your body have to work double-time to get well.
Sleep When You’re Tired
Get enough rest. If you’re feeling tired, take a nap. Your body needs time to fight the virus and heal. You don’t have to stay in bed all day, but make sure you’re cozy on the sofa with a blanket and pillow within reach.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water. You want to keep mucus flowing. If it builds up, that’s when congestion worsens. If you dislike plain water, add a slice of lemon, unsweetened flavor drops, or frozen berries in place of ice cubes. You’ll have a snack when you’re done, and berries are packed with antioxidants and vitamins that help your body. Herbal tea is another good option.
If you’re not interested in full meals, make a pot of soup to get you through. One of the easiest to make is also cost-effective and can be made in a slow cooker. All you need to mix is a can of chickpeas or cannellini beans that are drained and rinsed, a 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes, a cup of barley, six cups of broth, and a bag of frozen mixed vegetables. You have plenty of vitamins and minerals, fiber, and protein in one easy-to-eat soup.
Use Medications Recommended by Your Doctor
Don’t suffer unnecessarily. If you are coping with a very sore throat or bad headache, talk to a doctor about the best pain medicine or cold or flu medicine to take for your symptoms. You might need a prescription option if you have health issues like high blood pressure, but it’s easier to get enough rest if you’re not extremely uncomfortable.
If you do have a sore throat, hot water with lemon and honey can help soothe it between cough drops or cough medicine. You might find that a warm compress also helps.
A warm bath or shower can help add humidity that eases congestion. Shower steamers or bubble baths containing eucalyptus can make it a little easier to breathe.
Sit Outside When You Can
When you’re closed up in your bedroom or house, you’re surrounded by all of the germs released when you breathe, sneeze, or cough. Cracking a window can help bring in some fresh air. Running an air purifier also helps capture some of the germs in your air filter.
If you have a spot where you can sit outside, fresh air can help, even if it’s temporarily. Wrap up if needed and enjoy a break outside in the sun.
As you start to feel better over the next few days or possibly weeks, don’t rush back to your normal routine. Your body just fought a battle, so pay attention to your limits. If you’re trying to get the house back in order and notice you’re starting to cough more, rest for a bit.
When Should You Contact a Doctor
How do you know when it’s time to get to a doctor? A good rule of thumb is to seek medical advice if you’re throwing a fever over 101ºF that doesn’t lessen after three days. If your symptoms are worsening instead of getting better. If you’re experiencing chest pain or wheezing, make an appointment.
The bottom line is to trust your instincts. It’s better to seek advice and learn you’re doing things right than to wait until it’s too late and you have pneumonia. If a telehealth appointment is available, you might not have to leave your home.
Premium Urgent Care’s doctors provide testing and can advise you on the best treatments to manage your symptoms. Flu shots and COVID vaccinations lower the risk of contracting serious symptoms. Check-in online or arrange a telehealth visit and avoid the complications that could lead to hospitalization.