Common Cold, Flu or COVID-19? How to Tell the Difference and When to Worry
TeleRx
· 2 min read
Cold, flu and COVID-19 look alike but need different care. Compare their symptoms, learn what helps at home and which danger signs need a doctor quickly.
A runny nose, sore throat and fever can come from many different viruses. The most common are the common cold, influenza (flu) and COVID-19. They overlap a lot, but some differences can help you decide what to do.
Comparing the symptoms
| Symptom | Common cold | Flu | COVID-19 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start | Gradual | Sudden | Gradual or sudden |
| Fever | Rare or mild | Common, often high | Common |
| Body ache | Mild | Common, often severe | Common |
| Runny or blocked nose | Very common | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Sneezing | Very common | Sometimes | Rare |
| Tiredness | Mild | Common, can be extreme | Common |
| Loss of taste or smell | Rare | Rare | Possible |
| Shortness of breath | Rare | Sometimes | Possible |
Only a test (such as a rapid antigen or PCR test) can confirm COVID-19 or flu.
What helps at home
- Rest and drink plenty of warm fluids – water, soup, ginger or lemon tea.
- Paracetamol for fever and body ache, in the correct dose.
- Steam inhalation and saline nose drops for a blocked nose.
- Warm salt-water gargles for a sore throat.
- Honey for cough in adults and children above one year (never for babies under one).
Antibiotics do not work on viruses. Taking them without a doctor's advice causes side effects and antibiotic resistance.
Protect your family
- Wear a mask around elderly or sick family members.
- Wash hands often with soap for 20 seconds.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow.
- Stay home from school or work while you have fever.
- Annual flu vaccination is recommended for elderly people, pregnant women and people with long-term illness.
When to see a doctor
Book an online consultation if:
- Fever lasts more than 3 days or keeps coming back
- Cough lasts more than 2 weeks
- Symptoms improve and then suddenly get worse
- The patient is elderly, pregnant, a young child, or has diabetes, asthma, heart or kidney disease
Go to hospital immediately for difficulty breathing, chest pain, bluish lips, confusion, or oxygen saturation below 94% on a pulse oximeter.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a cold last?
Usually 7–10 days. A cough can continue for a few more days.
Can I have flu and COVID-19 at the same time?
Yes, though it is uncommon. A doctor can advise on testing if your symptoms are severe.
Not sure what you have? A TeleRx doctor can assess your symptoms by video and tell you whether you need a test.
This article is for general health information and does not replace a consultation with a doctor. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital or call 999.
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