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Symptom Similarities & Differences Between the Flu and COVID-19

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COVID-19 and the flu are both contagious respiratory diseases caused by viruses. While they have many symptoms in common, such as cough, fever, and body aches, COVID-19 has some unique attributes. The way that COVID-19 is affecting individuals can vary in both symptoms and severity. Continue reading to learn about the similarities and differences between the flu and COVID-19. If you think you have been exposed to or have COVID-19, contact the team at St. Elizabeth Urgent Care for a telemedicine visit.

SIMILARITIES BETWEEN THE FLU AND COVID-19

The viruses that cause the flu and COVID-19 are spread in similar ways. They can both spread between people who are in close contact and are spread through respiratory droplets that are released when one is talking, sneezing, or coughing. Both viruses can also spread if a person touches a surface with one of the viruses on it and then touches his or her mouth, nose, or eyes.

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF BOTH THE FLU & COVID-19

Both the flu and COVID-19 can have varying degrees of signs and symptoms, ranging from no symptoms to severe symptoms. Common symptoms that these illnesses share include:

  • Fever
  • Dry cough
  • Muscle aches
  • Sore throat
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Runny nose

UNIQUE SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19

While the flu and COVID-19 do have similarities, there are distinctions between the two. Flu symptoms will generally appear anywhere from 1 to 4 days after infection while COVID-19 symptoms can begin to show up 5 to 15 days after infection. COVID-19 symptoms also tend to last longer than the flu. The following symptoms are common among those with COVID-19 while standard flu sufferers rarely encounter these issues:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Consistent shaking & chills
  • Sudden loss of taste & smell
  • Red/swollen eyes
  • Skin rashes

SCHEDULE A VIRTUAL URGENT CARE VISIT IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SYMPTOMS

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms and would like to speak to a healthcare professional, we urge you to schedule a telemedicine visit before coming in. A virtual urgent care visit allows the team at St. Elizabeth Urgent Care to evaluate your health concerns remotely while helping reduce exposure to both the flu and COVID.

We offer on-site COVID-19 testing at our urgent care clinics in Houston and Dickinson, TX. Contact us today if you are interested in being tested for COVID-19.