COVID-19, Flu and Cold Season

As cooler weather arrives, viruses that cause COVID-19, flu and the common cold spread more easily. These illnesses share many symptoms but are caused by different viruses, and their severity can vary. Knowing how to prevent illness—and what to do if you get sick—helps keep you, your family and your community healthy.

Understanding the differences

• COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include fever, cough, fatigue, body aches, and loss of taste or smell.
• Flu (Influenza) is caused by influenza viruses that typically spread each fall and winter. Symptoms often come on suddenly and include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, muscle aches and fatigue.
• Colds are usually caused by rhinoviruses and tends to be milder. Symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, sneezing and cough, but fevers and body aches are uncommon. Most people recover within a few days.

Even though these illnesses overlap in symptoms, testing may be needed to tell them apart, especially for COVID-19 and the flu.

Everyday prevention tips

You can take steps every day to help stop the spread of respiratory illnesses:

• Stay up to date on vaccines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends both the annual flu vaccine and the updated COVID-19 vaccine.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15-20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer when soap isn’t available.
• Avoid touching your face, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Keep your distance from others who are sick and stay home when you’re not feeling well.
• Improve indoor air quality by opening windows, using air purifiers or increasing ventilation when possible.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces like phones, doorknobs and countertops.

Practice good respiratory etiquette

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze.
• Dispose of tissues properly and wash your hands afterward.
• Wear a mask in indoor settings or if you’re sick and need to be around others.
• Stay home when you have a fever or respiratory symptoms to avoid spreading illness.

If you get sick

• Stay home and rest. Avoid work, school, and public spaces until symptoms improve and you’ve been fever-free for at least 24 hours (without fever-reducing medicine).
• Monitor your symptoms. If you have trouble breathing, chest pain, persistent fever or symptoms that worsen, contact your healthcare provider.
• Get tested. Testing can help determine whether you have COVID-19 or the flu and guide treatment.

Where to go for care

• Mild symptoms: Rest, fluids and over-the-counter medicines are usually enough to recover at home.
• Primary care provider (PCP): If you need testing for flu or COVID-19, or need help managing symptoms.
• Urgent care or emergency department: Seek care if you experience shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, dehydration or other serious symptoms.
• Community resources: Many pharmacies and health departments offer flu and COVID-19 vaccines and testing.

Reference: https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/