It can be hard to tell if you have a cold, the flu, or COVID when you start feeling sick, since the symptoms can be so similar. Testing is the only way to know for certain what virus you or your child has, but symptom patterns offer useful clues.
Keep reading to learn more about symptoms, getting tested, and when to see a healthcare provider.
Cold vs Flu vs COVID Comparison Chart
Differences in onset, type, and duration of symptoms can help you determine if you have a cold, the flu, or COVID-19, and how long you might be contagious.
| Symptom/Feature | Common Cold | Flu | COVID-19 |
| Onset | Gradual | Sudden | Gradual to sudden, varies |
| Fever | Rare, mild if present | Common, often high | Common, varies |
| Cough | Mild to moderate | Common, can be severe | Common, often dry |
| Fatigue | Mild | Severe | Varies, can be prolonged |
| Body Aches | Slight | Common, often severe | Common |
| Loss of Taste/Smell | Rare | Rare | Possible, more distinctive |
| Typical Duration | 7-10 days | 1-2 weeks | Varies, 1-2+ weeks |
| Contagious Period | Few days | 1 day before onset until 7 days after symptoms | Varies, can extend longer |
Covid-19 vs Flu vs Cold Symptoms
The cold, the flu, and COVID-19 share symptoms such as cough, congestion, sore throat, and fatigue. Testing can confirm whether you have the flu or COVID-19, so you can get treatment if necessary.
Common Cold Symptoms
The common cold is actually caused by thousands of rhinovirus varieties that trigger mild upper respiratory infections.
Colds come on gradually, starting with mild symptoms that get more noticeable over 1-3 days. Symptoms usually peak around days 4-7, then improve over the next 3 or 4 days.
Cold symptoms include:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Mild cough
Colds rarely cause a fever.
Influenza (Flu) Symptoms
The flu is caused by the influenza virus. It leads to respiratory tract infections that affect the nose, throat, and lungs.
The flu can be a serious illness, particularly for young children, older adults, and people with underlying health conditions. Flu complications can lead to hospitalization and, in severe cases, death.
Flu symptoms usually come on suddenly and last for 10 to 14 days.
Symptoms of the flu include:
- Sudden high fever or chills
Severe muscle and body aches - Extreme tiredness or fatigue
- Dry cough
- Headache
COVID-19 Symptoms
COVID-19 is caused by coronavirus. Some cases of COVID-19 are very mild, while other people experience severe illness with lingering effects.
Typically, COVID-19 causes respiratory symptoms that last 10-14 days. Unlike a cold or the flu, COVID-19 can cause temporary loss of taste or smell.
Other symptoms include:
- Fever or chills
- Sore throat,
- Headache
- Stuffy nose
- Cough or trouble breathing
- Fatigue and body aches
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea (sometimes)
Should You Get Tested?
Testing is the only way to know for sure whether you have the flu, a cold, or COVID-19. Medications for the flu and COVID-19 work best the sooner you start them, so early testing can help you get effective treatment.
Tests that detect respiratory viruses can be single-plex and detect only one virus or multiplex and distinguish among different viruses.
You can take home tests or visit an urgent care center for testing. Next Level Urgent Care offers on-site flu and COVID testing with fast results, and staff can call in prescriptions to help you get better as soon as possible.
Treatment and Prevention
Treatment depends on whether you have a cold, the flu, or COVID-19.
Most colds will get better with home care. Take time to rest and drink plenty of fluids. You can use over-the-counter cold medicines to relieve symptoms like coughing and a stuffy nose, or pain relievers to manage a sore throat.
Prescription antiviral medications can help with the flu or COVID-19. They work best in the first few days, so get tested as soon as symptoms start. Over-the-counter medicines can reduce fever and relieve other symptoms.
Antibiotics are not effective for treating flu, COVID-19, or colds, since they are all viral illnesses. Antibiotics only treat illnesses caused by bacteria, such as strep throat.
You can reduce the risk of spreading illnesses by washing your hands frequently, disinfecting surfaces, and staying home if you get sick.
Getting flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines annually can lower your risk of catching those illnesses. If you do contract the flu or COVID-19, the vaccine can reduce the severity of symptoms.
Next Level Urgent Care offers flu and COVID-19 vaccinations. Scheduling vaccines for early fall will ensure that you’re protected in the late fall and winter when viruses are most prevalent.
Symptoms That Might Need Medical Attention
Most cases of the flu, COVID-19, or common colds will resolve within a week or two. However, severe illness requires medical attention. Visit an urgent care center if you have concerns, including:
- A high fever that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter medicines
- Symptoms lasting beyond the typical window
- Difficulty managing symptoms at home
- Complications due to underlying health conditions
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you or your child has trouble breathing, chest pain or pressure, confusion, or bluish lips or face. These are signs of severe illness and need immediate attention.
Getting the Right Care, Faster
Next Level Urgent Care provides same-day testing and care for the flu and COVID-19. All locations are open 7 days per week, 9 AM-9 PM.
We offer walk-in visits, remote check-in with our mobile app, and convenient virtual visits. You can count on shorter wait times and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to going to the emergency room for common respiratory illnesses.
You can visit us at any of our 45+ locations around Houston, Austin, and San Antonio.
