How To Differentiate between the flu and coronaviruses.
It can be difficult to tell the flu and COVID-19 from one another.If you don't know what to do when you're sick, this can cause a lot of anxiety.The only way to tell the difference is to get tested, but you can still review your symptoms and make an assumption about what is wrong.If you get sick, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor about what to do next.
Step 1: What are the symptoms of the flu?
Both illnesses are caused by the same viruses and can be spread through water droplets in the air.Both involve a disease.It's cold.Sore throat and cough.Body ache, fatigue, and headaches.Dehydration and nausea.
Step 2: Does the flu affect your nose?
It is more common with the flu than it is with either virus.A small number of COVID patients have a bad nose.It is a good bet that you have the flu if your symptoms include a sore nose, body ache, and fatigue.It will be green, yellow, or gray if you have congestion or phlegm.If it is clear, you probably have allergies.
Step 3: Which virus makes you lose taste or smell?
This is a sign of COVID-19.It happens very suddenly, and probably before you get sick.The flu doesn't cause this, so if you have it, you're probably coming down with it.If you have a cold or allergies, it could affect your taste, but with COVID, this wouldn't happen.
Step 4: Is there more breathing issues in COVID-19?
This is a symptom of COVID, not the flu.Respiratory issues can be caused by a COVID-19 infection.Breathing problems are usually gradual.Breathing issues are less common with the flu.If you exert yourself or walk up the stairs, you may notice difficulty breathing.Call your doctor if you have trouble breathing.This could be a serious sign.
Step 5: Which virus takes more time to develop?
It develops more slowly than the flu.COVID can take up to 14 days after an illness is caused by the flu.The flu is more likely if you have been around a sick person.If your symptoms take a week or more to develop, it is most likely Covid.If you didn't know you were around a sick person, this characteristic might not be useful.It can be helpful to know a specific event where you were in contact with a sick person.
Step 6: Do children get sick?
While the flu can cause a severe illness in children, COVID-19 usually doesn't.The flu is more likely to be the cause of tired, coughing, feverish, and complaining of body aches if your child is under 10.This is a general trend, not a scientific rule.Children can still contract and spread COVID-19 even if they get a less severe case.
Step 7: What could cause the same symptoms as the flu?
Colds and seasonal allergies can be mistaken for COVID-19 infections.Symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and shortness of breath can be caused by stress and panic attacks.The other symptoms are very different from the flu and COVID-19.A cold usually involves a sore throat, a mild cough, and/or chills.Colds don't usually cause diseases.Allergies can include fatigue, coughing or sneezing, and a bad nose.It is a sign of allergies that your eyes and nose are itchy.Symptoms of an anxiety attack include chest pain, heart palpitations, nausea, feelings of panic or fear, sweating, numbness of hands and feet, dry mouth, and muscle tension.The symptoms last 5-20 minutes in most cases.
Step 8: You should isolated yourself.
If you get sick and don't know if you have COVID-19, it can be frightening.It is best to be isolated from other people until you are sure.Until you have a firm answer, this keeps other people safe.Don't go to public transit or crowded areas.If you can, explain to your employer that you have evidence.If you live with other people, you should stay in one room or area of the home.
Step 9: As soon as possible, get a COVID-19 test.
Since the flu and COVID can be very similar, the only way to tell them apart is with a test.Set up an appointment by calling your doctor or local testing clinic.Stay isolated at home until your results come in, then go to your appointment and have your test.When going to the doctor's office, wear a mask.Inform anyone you know who is close to you to get tested if you test positive.
Step 10: If you have the flu, rest and stay home.
Plenty of rest is the main treatment for both of these illnesses.Take a break, avoid other people, and do your best to relax.You will be feeling better if the flu and COVID-19 clear up within 1-2 weeks.You should drink a lot of fluids while you recover.Dehydration can be dangerous even if you have a different virus.Over-the-counter pain medications can help if you have a sore throat, body ache, or headaches.In the US, the FDA has approved a drug for the treatment of COVID-19 symptoms.It isn't a cure, but it may help shorten the illness.
Step 11: If you have trouble breathing, call for help.
Both the flu and COVID-19 can cause breathing trouble.If you have trouble breathing, call your doctor.If you feel like you can't breathe, call the emergency services.Inform the paramedics that they need to take steps to protect themselves if you have to call them.