6 Top Tips to Know If Your Symptoms Are the Flu or COVID-19

Have a sore throat, cough or just feeling run down? It may feel difficult to determine if your symptoms are stemming from the flu or from COVID-19. Flu and COVID-19 share many characteristics, but there are some key differences between the two. 

COVID-19 spreads more easily than the flu and symptoms can last longer.

These are some differences between COVID and the flu:

What are symptoms of COVID-19?

COVID-19, or coronavirus, presents itself as a mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough and difficulty breathing.

How does COVID-19 spread?

COVID-19 spreads mostly from person to person through respiratory droplets when a person coughs or sneezes. Typically, people within 6 feet of someone with an illness are at highest risk.

How long does it take to develop COVID-19 symptoms?

COVID-19 symptoms usually appear between two and 14 days after exposure.

What are symptoms of the flu?

The flu is caused by one of several influenzas viruses that typically result in fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue. The flu may also cause vomiting and diarrhea, but it is more frequently seen in children than adults.

How can I catch the flu?

People with flu can spread it to others up to about 6 feet away. Flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people cough, sneeze, or talk. These droplets can be easily inhaled through the nose or mouth of people who are nearby. Similar to COVID-19, these droplets may be present on doorknobs, counters, and other surfaces after a person coughs or sneezes. Frequent handwashing and cleaning of surfaces and household items can reduce this route of viral spread.

How long does it take to develop flu symptoms?

The flu virus has an abrupt onset with symptoms beginning about two days after the virus enters the body.

How can I protect myself and others from COVID-19 and the flu?

To protect yourself and others from COVID-19 and the flu, you should:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Stay home when you are sick
• Cover your cough or sneeze into a tissue then throw the tissue into the trash
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol based sanitizer
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects in your home and workplace

The flu vaccine can lessen the severity of illness in the very young and very old, along with those with conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and chronic respiratory illnesses. Since the flu vaccine can decrease the severity of the illness, particularly those who are medically vulnerable, the flu vaccine can lead to decreased hospitalization and mortality.