Every year as the summer winds down and school resumes, we all know that flu season is just effectually the corner. But in one case once again, this year's annual flu season volition offset upwards during the COVID-19 pandemic....

You've probably heard that COVID-19 and the flu share a lot of the same symptoms. And maybe you lot're fifty-fifty feeling a footling under the atmospheric condition correct now. So, how practise you tell the difference between COVID-19 symptoms and flu symptoms? The short answer is: It tin be tricky. But nosotros're here to aid.

The merely manner to truly diagnose whether yous have the flu or COVID-19 is through testing. But knowing the symptoms of each can aid yous determine what to do next. Beneath, nosotros provide an overview of both viruses, similarities and differences between symptoms, when you should get care and more.

COVID-nineteen vs. the flu: What's the difference betwixt these two viruses?

The flu and COVID-19 are both highly contagious respiratory illnesses, just they're caused past dissimilar viruses.

The flu is acquired past flu viruses – unremarkably Influenza A or Influenza B viruses – which we experience during our annual flu season.

There are a lot of flu viruses out at that place – and flu vaccines have been around since the mid-1940s. Each year, specific flu vaccines are recommended to fight the strains of influenza that research indicates volition exist the almost mutual that flavour. So, when you make a flu shot appointment, yous'll get the vaccine called for the nearly contempo influenza flavour.

COVID-19 is caused by a new coronavirus called SARS-CoV-ii. Our bodies had never experienced this type of virus before the first of the pandemic – which ways our bodies hadn't had a gamble to build antibodies to fight it – and we didn't have vaccines to help protect us. But now, COVID-19 vaccines are readily available for virtually people, including kids and teens.

COVID-19 continues to modify and there are now multiple variants of the coronavirus – some of which are more contagious or have different types of symptoms. The skilful news is that the COVID-19 vaccines continue to be effective at reducing your gamble of getting astringent COVID-xix symptoms. There are also COVID-nineteen medications and treatments available to help reduce the chance of astringent illness.

Tin the flu turn into COVID-19?

No. The flu cannot plow into COVID-nineteen. And COVID-xix cannot plow into the flu. Again, these ii illnesses are caused by unlike viruses.

Is it possible to have COVID-19 and the flu at the aforementioned time?

Yes. It is possible to be infected with the flu and COVID-19 at the aforementioned time. Having both infections at in one case is sometimes referred to as existence ill with flurona. Getting both the flu shot and the COVID-nineteen vaccine will reduce your chance of getting co-infections.

Can I even so become sick after I become the flu shot?

If you received your almanac flu shot, information technology's still possible for yous to go the flu. Similarly, if you lot've been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, it's possible for you to get breakthrough COVID-19. But if you practice get COVID-19, you'll likely take a mild case that tin can be treated at habitation.

How are symptoms of COVID-19 different from the flu?

Similarities between COVID-19 symptoms and influenza symptoms

Respiratory illnesses frequently share like symptoms. That'southward because your respiratory system is in charge of helping you exhale, and includes your airways, lungs and blood vessels. So when bacteria or viruses get in, the whole organisation can exist afflicted and cause similar symptoms.

The most prominent symptoms that COVID-19 and the flu can have in common include:

  • Fever of more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Chills
  • Headache
  • Cough
  • Musculus pain and body aches
  • Fatigue (extreme tiredness or lack of energy) and weakness
  • Nausea or vomiting (more than common in children than adults)
  • Diarrhea (more common in children than adults)

Differences between COVID-19 symptoms and influenza symptoms

While in that location are many similarities between COVID-xix and flu symptoms, there are some specific differences, depending on the COVID-xix variant, including:

Symptom onset

The influenza comes on suddenly. Usually the first signs of the flu appear anywhere from 1 to four days after infection. COVID-19 symptoms tin can be more than gradual. While COVID-nineteen symptoms can develop every bit early on equally two days after you're infected, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says five days after infection is typical. Plus, it'southward possible to exist infected with COVID-nineteen just not show any symptoms for up to fourteen days – and some people may not accept any symptoms at all.

Cough type and severity

The influenza commonly causes a balmy, dry cough. Some variants of COVID-19, such every bit Delta, can cause severe cough symptoms that are dry, persistent and leave y'all brusque of breath. Notwithstanding, some strains of COVID-xix, like the Omicron variant, are less likely to impact your lungs, so a cough may non exist one of the COVID-19 symptoms you have and could be difficult to distinguish from a common cold.

The presence of a fever

One question that we've been hearing a lot is, "Can yous take COVID-nineteen and non have a fever?" The answer is yep. While y'all'll almost e'er take a fever with the flu, it's possible to accept COVID-19 without a fever.

COVID-19 is sometimes more like a cold

Your COVID-19 symptoms depend a lot on the variant you have. The Delta variant typically comes with loftier fever and a painful cough. However, the mutual symptoms of the Omicron variant are a stuffy or runny nose, a sore throat and a headache – symptoms more likely with a cold versus a influenza.

But even if COVID-19 feels like a common cold, it's still very contagious. And, it's possible that if it spreads to others, they could become much sicker – specially if they're older, have weakened immune systems or are unvaccinated. And then, consider getting tested for COVID-19, when yous have cold or flu-like symptoms even if y'all don't accept a fever.

Unique symptoms

There are some COVID-19 symptoms that don't typically overlap with the flu or the common cold, including:

  • New and sudden loss of gustatory modality or odor
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Having these symptoms doesn't mean that you take COVID-19, but it could be more likely. If your symptoms are astringent, seek immediate medical care. Telephone call 911 if you accept shortness of breath, persistent pain or pressure in your chest, or take a hard time staying awake.

Do yous have flu or COVID-19 symptoms? Get the care you need.

Is there a difference betwixt COVID-19 and influenza symptoms in adults and children? Men and women?

We're oftentimes asked if flu symptoms in children are dissimilar than in adults. And this has become one of the most mutual questions about COVID-19.

Mostly speaking, COVID-nineteen symptoms and flu symptoms are the aforementioned for men and women – young or former. However, those with severe underlying medical conditions seem to exist at higher hazard for more serious complications. Also, in that location are a couple things to note when it comes to COVID-19 symptoms in children.

Gastrointestinal bug are more than common in kids

For both COVID-xix and the influenza, when vomiting, nausea or diarrhea happens, it'south unremarkably more common in children than adults. This also ways that the risk of dehydration can increase. So, parents should sentinel for signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, no tears when crying, or no urine for 8 or more than hours.

COVID-nineteen has been linked to another status in kids

When it comes to COVID-19, adults make up nearly of the known cases to date. However, some children have developed what's chosen multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C). MIS-C is a status where different parts of the body (not simply the respiratory system) get inflamed. So, in addition to common COVID-xix and flu symptoms like fever, fatigue, vomiting or diarrhea, other symptoms can include intestinal hurting, neck pain, rash and bloodshot eyes.

Right now, information on this status is limited, simply the CDC is working closely with local health departments to learn more than. If you desire to acquire more about the condition, we encourage you to visit the CDC'south MIS-C information page.

Comparing COVID-19 and flu symptoms

Nosotros've gone through the symptom similarities and differences between the flu and COVID-19. But here's how they compare side-past-side.

Table showing the similarities in symptoms between the flu and COVID-19. Symptoms that are unique to COVID-19 include loss of taste and smell, shaking with chills and difficulty breathing.

What to do if y'all have COVID-like or flu-like symptoms

COVID-19 and influenza are highly contagious viruses. If you're experiencing any symptoms or y'all're non certain if your symptoms are a match, don't worry. Here are a few steps you lot can take:

Stay home until you lot've been tested for COVID-xix

In full general, it's recommended that yous stay home if yous accept a fever and for at least 24 hours afterwards your fever goes away (without the aid of medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen). If you lot don't have a fever, just you lot take other COVID-19 or flu symptoms, it's best to become a COVID-nineteen examination or talk to a md before you're around other people.

If you lot're negative for COVID-nineteen, home treatments for the flu might exist all yous need. Simply if you lot're positive for COVID-19, you'll desire to take extra steps to self-isolate when treating COVID-nineteen at home – and be on the lookout for more serious symptoms.

Telephone call one of our care lines for advice

Our intendance lines permit yous to talk directly with a nurse 24/7, 365 days a year completely free of accuse. They can help you decide if it's time to meet a doctor, equally well as provide helpful dwelling house remedy advice. To become in bear on, call the HealthPartners CareLine℠ at 800-551-0859 or the Park Nicollet Nurse Line at 952-993-4665.

Get treatment and care virtually

Whether you're stuck at abode with a fever or y'all aren't prepare to go out your house just yet, in that location are a couple ways to get quality virtual care that fits your preferences.

Make a video visit appointment for face-to-face care from a doc or nurse practitioner. With video visits, your doctor volition listen to your symptoms, answer questions and work with you to create a tailored handling plan if needed. For example, your doctor may prescribe antivirals to treat the flu.

Start a virtual visit someday, anyplace through Virtuwell. With Virtuwell, no appointment is necessary – and treatment is bachelor 24/7. Getting started is piece of cake. Nosotros'll inquire you lot a few questions, and y'all'll go your diagnosis and treatment plan from a board-certified nurse practitioner.

Effort to relax and take care of yourself

If you're not feeling well or you lot've been officially diagnosed with an disease, try to get lots of remainder and stay hydrated. Also, talk with your doctor about which over-the-counter medications they recommend to help reduce your fever, aches and pains.

Go to the emergency room if serious symptoms arise

Both the flu and COVID-19 can take serious complications. Go to your nearest emergency room if you lot or your child is experiencing whatsoever of the following symptoms:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Flu-like symptoms that improved just then returned worse
  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Sudden dizziness or confusion
  • Astringent or persistent vomiting

And, more specifically for children, get to the emergency room if your child:

  • Is less than 3 months old and has a fever above 100.4° Fahrenheit
  • Is between 3 months quondam and iii years former, has a fever above 100.4° Fahrenheit, and is showing signs of dehydration (e.g. dry optics or mouth, hasn't urinated in several hours)
  • Has a fever with a rash
  • Has skin or lips that accept turned gray or blue
  • Is extremely irritable
  • Is not eating or drinking
  • Is non waking up or interacting with you

What can you practice to stay as healthy as possible? Get your COVID-19 vaccine and annual flu shot

The all-time way to protect yourself and others from influenza and COVID-19 is by getting vaccinated for both viruses.

When you get a influenza shot, you're upward to 60% less likely to go the flu, co-ordinate to the CDC. And studies also show that fifty-fifty if you do get sick, your flu symptoms volition be less astringent and yous're less likely to need hospital care to recover.

When it comes to COVID-19 vaccinations, data suggests all currently authorized vaccines are constructive in preventing illness from COVID-nineteen, with the greatest protection coming against severe affliction, hospitalization and death.

Information technology'southward also important to know information technology's possible to examination positive for the flu and COVID-19, too as other respiratory conditions, at the aforementioned fourth dimension. This tin increment your adventure of severe complications.

Schedule your vaccinations today Want to go a flu shot and a COVID-nineteen vaccine at the same time?

Call your local dispensary