Do I Have COVID-19, the Flu, a Cold, or Something Else?

As the weather gets a bit cooler, even in California, we find ourselves indoors more. You’re back at work. If you have kids, they’re in school. You have events, meetings, and parties to attend.

It’s no wonder, then, that you feel a bit tired. You’re just overworked and overextended, like everyone else, right?

But then the other symptoms start. Maybe it’s a scratchy throat. Or a runny nose. Maybe you start to cough. And then you wonder: Is it really a cold, or do I have COVID-19? Could I be coming down with the flu? Is it something else? 

Dr. Google isn’t much use when symptoms overlap in conditions such as common colds, COVID-19, and the annual flu. If you’re uncomfortable or find it hard to get through your day, it’s time to find out what’s really wrong and do something about it. 

Internal medicine and primary care specialist Samuel Fink, MD, located in the Tarzana neighborhood of the San Fernando Valley, California, wants you to stay healthy. If troubling symptoms weigh you down, our team diagnoses the reason or reasons and then comes up with a treatment plan.

Do you have a cold, the flu, or COVID-19? Here’s the rundown on these similar illnesses.

Some symptoms overlap

All of the symptoms you associate with a common cold can also be caused by other viral respiratory illnesses, such as the flu and even COVID-19. These can include:

• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Fatigue

You may also sneeze if you have a cold; that symptom isn’t associated with the flu or COVID-19. With a cold, you may have a lingering cough or nasal drainage for 10-14 days, but symptoms typically last less than a week. A common cold may also inflame your bronchial tubes, which leads to bronchitis (i.e., a chest cold) that leads to severe coughing and difficulty breathing. 

Some symptoms don’t overlap

Based on the above criteria, you think you have a cold. But then you develop other symptoms that aren’t on the list. The following symptoms are associated with flu or COVID-19 but not with a common cold:

• Fever and chills
• Joint and muscle aches
• Moderate to severe fatigue
• Headache, sometimes severe
• Shortness of breath
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

If you have COVID-19, you might notice another odd symptom: Your sense of taste and/or smell may have changed. In some cases, you could completely lose your ability to smell or taste for weeks to months. 

When to call us

It’s easy to book a telehealth consultation whenever you’re concerned about your health — even if it’s just a cold. Whether you have a cold, the flu, or COVID-19, we offer specific treatments that can reduce your symptoms, help you rest, and prevent complications.

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or the flu, we urge you to seek medical care to prevent your symptoms from worsening. You’re more likely to have COVID or the flu if you were recently in contact with someone who has been diagnosed with either illness. 

You should seek our help if you have other health conditions that could increase your risk of severe illness, including:

• Asthma
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Coronary artery disease
• Excess weight
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD)
• Age, increased risk over age 65
• Heart failure
• Autoimmune disease

If you have a weakened immune system due to HIV/AIDs, organ transplant, cancer treatments, and other chronic diseases, this could also increase your risk of complications from COVID-19 or the flu.

Can COVID-19 be treated?

Yes, it can! If we catch COVID early enough, antiviral therapies are often highly effective at preventing complications from COVID-19. We also provide treatments that ease symptoms such as shortness of breath, body aches, headaches, and fever.

Immunizations are critical to preventing serious illness from COVID-19 or the flu. Autumn is the perfect time to get both flu shots and a COVID-19 vaccine or booster.

Are you feeling under the weather as the weather changes? Contact our office today to request an appointment by phone at 818-609-0700 or online for a diagnosis and treatment plan.