Key Symptoms to Distinguish COVID-19 from Cold and Flu

As the winter months approach, distinguishing between COVID-19, the flu, and a common cold becomes increasingly challenging. Dr. Rupa Parmar, a general practitioner and medical director at Midland Health, has provided insights on how to identify these illnesses based on specific symptoms. Understanding these differences is crucial for seeking appropriate treatment.

Identifying COVID-19 Symptoms

Dr. Parmar emphasizes that one of the primary indicators of COVID-19 is shortness of breath. “This symptom is rare in both a cold and the flu,” she explains. “COVID-19 primarily affects the lungs, leading to inflammation, which makes shortness of breath a common symptom.” The National Health Service (NHS) supports this assertion, noting that shortness of breath is a key marker of COVID-19 rather than the flu or a cold.

While shortness of breath can be linked to other conditions like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), it is important to recognize that a person with the flu may develop breathing difficulties if their condition worsens, potentially leading to pneumonia.

Cough Differences and Unique Symptoms

Dr. Parmar also highlights the variations in coughs associated with these illnesses. “Coughs are prevalent across all three viruses, but they present differently,” she states. “A cold typically causes a mild cough, while a flu cough tends to be dry. In contrast, COVID-19 often results in a dry and continuous cough, with many individuals experiencing multiple coughing episodes within a day.”

Another distinctive symptom of COVID-19 is the loss of taste or smell. Dr. Parmar notes, “Experiencing a change in taste or a complete loss is somewhat unique to COVID-19. If you are encountering either of these changes, it is likely that you have the virus.”

Understanding the combination and severity of symptoms can help individuals determine which illness they may have. Mild coughs and sore throats are often associated with a cold, while a fever and severe fatigue may indicate the flu. In contrast, the presence of a loss of smell or taste, along with a persistent cough, points towards COVID-19.

Onset of Symptoms

The onset of symptoms differs among these illnesses. Dr. Parmar notes, “Cold symptoms generally appear gradually. Flu symptoms, on the other hand, can develop suddenly within a few hours, while COVID-19 symptoms may start mild and worsen over time.” She further explains that a cold primarily affects the throat and nose, whereas flu and COVID-19 symptoms can be widespread.

While there are currently no self-isolation mandates in place for those displaying symptoms, the NHS recommends that individuals should stay at home and limit contact with others if they or their children experience symptoms such as a high temperature or feeling too unwell to engage in regular activities.

Individuals are advised to resume normal activities only when they feel better or no longer have a high temperature. As always, if there is uncertainty regarding symptoms, consulting with a healthcare professional is advisable, as Dr. Parmar states, “It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to health.”