What is the difference between COVID-19, the flu, common cold, and allergies? Learn about the unique symptoms and characteristics of each condition.

Navigating the Similarities and Differences: COVID-19, Flu, Common Cold, and Allergies

As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial to understand the similarities and differences between this novel coronavirus and other common respiratory illnesses, such as the flu, common cold, and allergies. While these conditions share some overlapping symptoms, their underlying causes, transmission, and severity can vary significantly.

Allergies: When the Immune System Overreacts

Allergies develop when the immune system excessively reacts to foreign substances, known as allergens, such as pollen, pet dander, and certain foods. After exposure to an allergen, the immune system produces antibodies that identify the allergen as a harmful substance. When a person comes into contact with the allergen, the reaction triggered by the immune system can affect different systems, including the skin, airways, and digestive system. The severity of allergies can range from minor irritation to a potentially life-threatening condition called anaphylaxis.

The most common symptoms of allergies include skin rash, itching of the nose, eyes, or roof of the mouth, sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion. In severe cases, individuals may also experience chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or breathing difficulties.

The Common Cold: A Viral Infection of the Upper Respiratory Tract

The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, primarily affecting the nose and throat. Although several types of viruses can cause a common cold, rhinoviruses are the most common culprits. The common cold is typically found during seasonal changes and is usually harmless, with mild to moderate severity. Most patients can recover fully within a week.

Symptoms of the common cold include nasal congestion or a stuffy nose, a runny nose, a productive cough with mucus or phlegm, sneezing, a sore throat, hoarseness, low-grade fever, and mild body aches or headaches. In adults without preexisting respiratory conditions, the symptoms are usually mild, and the duration of the illness typically lasts 2-5 days, with the runny nose potentially lasting up to 14 days.

Influenza (Flu): A Respiratory Illness Caused by Influenza Viruses

The flu is caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. Influenza viruses spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes, sending droplets containing the viruses into the mouths or noses of people nearby. Typical influenza viruses typically cause seasonal epidemics of disease (known as the flu season) with mild clinical manifestations. However, influenza viruses are constantly changing, and new strains are emerging regularly.

Symptoms of the flu include a constantly high-grade fever, headache, aching muscles, a dry and persistent cough, sneezing, a sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, and chills and sweats.

COVID-19: A Novel Coronavirus Infection

COVID-19 is the pandemic illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. While COVID-19 and the flu share some similar symptoms, COVID-19 appears to spread more easily than the flu and can cause more serious complications in some people. Additionally, it can take longer for people with COVID-19 to exhibit their symptoms.

The symptoms of COVID-19 can range from mild to severe and may include fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.Distinguishing COVID-19 from Flu, Allergies, and the Common Cold

While the similarities in symptoms among COVID-19, flu, allergies, and the common cold can make them challenging to diagnose distinctively, there are some key differences that can help differentiate them:

• Fever: COVID-19 and flu typically present with a high fever, while allergies and the common cold are less likely to cause a fever or may only cause a low-grade fever.
• Cough: COVID-19 and flu often cause a dry, persistent cough, while the common cold may produce a more productive cough with mucus or phlegm.
• Shortness of breath: COVID-19 and the flu are more likely to cause shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, which is less common with allergies and the common cold.
• Timing of symptoms: The incubation period for COVID-19 can be longer than the flu, and symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure, compared to 1-4 days for the flu.
• Sneezing and itchy eyes: Allergies are more likely to cause sneezing and itchy, watery eyes, which are less common with COVID-19, the flu, and the common cold.

Regardless of the cause of the symptoms, if an individual experiences any concerning or abnormal signs, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention.

Seeking Medical Advice

In the face of a global pandemic, it is essential to take any respiratory symptoms seriously and consult with a healthcare professional. They can provide guidance on the appropriate next steps, which may include testing, treatment, and self-isolation measures to prevent the spread of illness.

By understanding the unique characteristics of COVID-19, the flu, the common cold, and allergies, individuals can be better equipped to recognize and respond to their symptoms, ultimately safeguarding their health and the well-being of their communities.

Similarities vs. differences among COVID-19, flu, common cold and allergies

Influenza (flu) and COVID-19, the pandemic illness caused by SARS-CoV-2, are both contagious respiratory diseases, affecting the lungs and respiratory symptoms. Although COVID-19 and flu share some similar symptoms, COVID-19 appears to spread more easily than flu and causes more serious complications in some people. In addition, it can also take longer before people with COVID-19 to exhibit their symptoms. Besides flu, allergies and common cold also pose certain similar symptoms of COVID-19, ranging from mild to severe. The similarity of symptoms makes them hard to diagnose distinctively. Nevertheless, there seem to be some differences that can be used to distinguish COVID-19 from flu, allergies and common cold. Regardless of the cause of symptom, if abnormal sign arises, immediate medical attention must be sought.

Allergies     

Allergies develop when the immune system excessively reacts to foreign substances, known as allergens, such as pollen, pet dander and certain foods. After exposure to an allergen, the immune system produces antibodies that identify a particular allergen as harmful substance. When a person comes into contact with the allergen, the reaction triggered by the immune system can affect different systems, including skin, airways and digestive system. Nonetheless, the severity of allergies widely varies from person to person, extending from minor irritation to anaphylaxis which is a potentially life-threatening emergency condition. Depending specific type of allergies, most common symptoms of allergies are skin rash, itching of the nose, eyes or roof of the mouth, sneezing, runny nose and nasal congestion. In severe cases, chest discomfort, shortness of breath or breathing difficulties might also present along with other symptoms.

In regards to current studies, there is no clinical evidence yet obtained to confirm that patients who have allergies as their underlying condition are more susceptible to COVID-19 infections than general populations. However, if patients with allergies become infected with COVID-19, the chance of developing serious complications substantially rise while their preexisting symptoms can be exacerbated.

Symptoms of allergies

Allergic reactions caused by various substances are widely different among individuals. Common symptoms often include:

• Sneezing
• Watery, red, swollen or itchy eyes
• Nasal congestion, stuffy, itchy or runny nose
• Skin rash
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat
• Wheezing or shortness of breath

To prevent allergies, known triggers must be avoided at all times. Medications, such as oral tablets, nasal sprays and nasal irrigation should be regularly used as proscribed. If symptoms flare up, it is highly advised to instantly seek medical assistance.

Common cold

The common cold is a common viral infection of the upper respiratory tract (nose and throat). Although several types of viruses can cause a common cold, rhinoviruses are the most common pathogens. The common cold is typically found during seasonal changes. It is usually harmless with mild to moderate severity. Since it appears to be self-limiting, most of patients can get a full recovery within a week. The common cold is primarily transmitted through nasal discharge, saliva and sputum. The viruses can spread through droplets in the air when a sick person coughs or sneezes. It also spreads by hand-to-hand contact by sharing contaminated objects and touching eyes or noses.

Symptoms of common cold

• Nasal congestion or stuffy nose
• Runny nose
• Productive cough with mucus or phlegm
• Sneezing
• Sore throat
• Hoarseness
• Low-grade fever
• Slight body aches or a mild headache

In adults (without preexisting respiratory condition), common symptoms, e. g. nasal congestion and runny nose are usually mild. On average, the duration of symptoms lasts only for 2-5 days. However, runny nose might last longer to 10-14 days.

Influenza or flu

The flu is caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. Influenza viruses spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes, sending droplets that contain the viruses into the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Typical influenza viruses typically cause seasonal epidemics of disease (known as the flu season) with mild clinical manifestations. However, influenza viruses are constantly changing and new strains are emerging regularly.

Symptoms of flu

• Constantly high-grade fever
• Headache
• Aching muscles
• Dry, persistent cough
• Sneezing
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Chills and sweats

Despite the fact that flu and COVID-19 have exhibited some similarities, symptoms associated with lower respiratory tract, such as chest discomfort and breathing difficulties do not typically present in patients with flu. Once the patients experience breathing problems, influenza test will be primarily conducted in order to make a definite diagnosis, allowing for appropriate treatment in a timely manner.

COVID-19

As a highly contagious and potent disease, COVID-19 can cause a wide range of symptoms, extending from mild to fatal, affecting different organs in the body. In severe cases, lung infections with serious complications might develop, resulting in a greater chance of life-threatening event.

Symptoms of COVID-19

• Fever
• Weakness or malaise
• Dry cough
• Sore throat
• Trouble breathing

Clinical studies suggest that a large number of people who test positive for COVID-19 are asymptomatic. Depending on disease manifestations, COVID-19 usually requires symptomatic treatments. In some cases, antiviral therapy with viral suppression activity might be administered in combination with pain killers, antihistamine, nasal decongestant drugs or other symptomatic therapy. In patients with impaired lung function and lung damages, the physician often considers using ventilators to manage airway problems and support respiratory system.

Unlike existing respiratory illnesses, e.g. common cold, flu and allergies that have been known for their disease managements, COVID-19 has emerged from a novel virus –SARS-CoV-2 in which pre-existing immunity against the infection remains unidentified. If the virus reaches the lungs, the lining can become irritated and inflamed. This inflammation activates the immune system to fight back through several immune mechanisms. Nevertheless, this immune response against the virus can also cause progressive scarring in the lung tissue, leading to pneumonia and lung damages that abruptly worsen the symptoms. Without immediate and intensive treatments, patients are at greater risk of death, especially in the elderly and patients with certain underlying diseases.     

To minimize the risk of all respiratory diseases, including allergies, common cold and flu as COVID-19, everyone needs to abide by following preventive measures: wearing a face mask at all times while in public, frequent handwashing with soap or hand sanitizer, refraining from going to crowded areas and avoiding exposure to suspected or confirmed cases while maintaining social distancing.

How to know if nose woes are flu, cold or allergies

Baylor College of Medicine

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A runny or stuffy nose can be a symptom of the flu, a cold or allergies, and it can be hard to discern which one you have. So how do you know what’s really going on with your nose?

“More than likely the problem is probably being caused by a virus, especially if there is a defined start date of symptoms, but if your runny nose or congestion is lingering, it could be allergies,” said Isabel Valdez, a physician assistant and instructor of family and community medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. “If your runny nose is accompanied by a fever or body aches, then you might have the flu.”

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Flu

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A big indicator that a person might have the flu is when symptoms such as body aches, fevers, chills, nausea, an upset stomach or night sweats suddenly start occurring, Valdez said. Usually high fever, above 101 degrees, signals that you might have the flu. Also, there is a finite ending to having the flu, and you should be done experiencing symptoms after about one to two weeks.

Valdez emphasized that getting the flu shot is an extremely important step to take to protect yourself from contracting the flu.

“The flu shot is there to protect you. You want to get the flu shot so that you can launch an immune response to the real infection if you are exposed to the flu,” she said. “Also, if you do contract influenza, it will hopefully help you get over the illness quicker.”

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Cold

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Valdez explained that a big difference between the flu and a cold is that a cold will most likely not give you a high fever and/or body aches. Fevers signaling a cold are generally low-grade, between 99 and 100 degrees. These fevers also do not typically last as long in someone who has a cold as opposed to the flu. In addition, a cold or a virus operates on a schedule, which means people will typically have a sore throat at the beginning, then they get congestion for a few days, and then as the congestion starts to clear, they develop a cough that lasts for a few days.

One myth that Valdez said people should know about is that mucus color does not necessarily signal an infection.

“Everybody thinks that if they have green mucus, they need an antibiotic but that’s not necessarily the case. A lot of the time, you can start the day with yellow-green mucus when you have a virus but as long as that mucus gets lighter in color and thinner in consistency as the day progresses then you don’t need antibiotics.”

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Allergies

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A signal that you have allergies is when your mucus is clear as opposed to yellow or green, Valdez said. The mucus also tends to be a little bit runnier.

Changes in weather can bring on allergies since there are more irritants in the environment that people may come in contact with, she said. These irritants might cause mild allergies with symptoms including a stuffy nose, scratchy throat or feeling pressure around the eyes. Mild allergies can be taken care of with over-the-counter allergy medications, antihistamines and nasal sprays.

Valdez added that exposure to excessive heat can cause issues with your nose. If you are exposing your nose to too much heat, like when the heater is running nearly continually during cold weather, the heat can dry out the mucosa in your nostrils, causing irritations. Excessive exposure to heat also can cause the mouth and throat to feel dryer because the heat is soaking up moisture that the body needs.

“Sometimes if people dry out their noses too much, this can lead to them having little nose bleeds or when they blow their nose they will notice blood in the mucus and, again, this is because the mucosa inside their nostrils gets so dry and fragile from the heat that little blood vessels will pop,” Valdez said. “Usually if this happens, I recommend that patients start to use a nasal saline spray to moisturize their nostrils.”

Why does the body “ache” when we are sick

Nobody likes to be sick. Even if you have a slight cold, the condition will still be lousy! Weakness, runny nose, body aches. By the way, why does it hurt?

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Everyone knows this feeling! Why does it appear?

Do not self-medicate! In our articles, we collect the latest scientific data and the opinions of authoritative health experts. But remember: only a doctor can diagnose and prescribe treatment.

The meaning of the phrase “body ache” is clear to everyone. This is not muscle pain after physical exertion, the disease seems to “squeeze” the muscles, causing dull, constant pain. However, both pains are called myalgia.

In the case of a cold, which is often accompanied by myalgia, one should only rejoice (at least a little!). The fact is that the appearance of muscle pain indicates that the body is fighting the disease. But the harder the body works, the more the body can “wine”.

Why does my muscle aches?

When you have the flu, the common cold, a viral or bacterial infection, your immune system kicks in. It reacts by releasing white blood cells to fight infection. This reaction causes inflammation in the tissues. It spreads throughout the body, penetrating the bloodstream and muscles. This leads to irritation of the nerve endings, and this is how pain appears.

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Usually the situation is only aggravated by accompanying symptoms: fever, weakness, trembling and respiratory signs of a cold. And because of the chills, the muscles “tremble”, contract intensely and overwork.

How to relieve body pain with a cold?

The best way is to eliminate the root cause of the pain. But, of course, at the beginning of the disease it is very difficult to immediately remove all the symptoms, so experts advise the following methods:

Drink more

Some cold and flu symptoms such as sweating, vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration. But water is essential for your body to function properly and its ability to fight infection. Drink plenty of water, broth, tea, or electrolyte drinks.

Warm up

Warmth can relax muscles and relieve aches and pains. If you don’t have a high temperature, a warm bath or shower can help you relax. But do not turn on hot water, try to keep the temperature warm.

Monitor your temperature

Since higher body temperature makes you shiver, your muscles tense up and get worse. Don’t forget antipyretics. They perfectly relieve both pain and temperature.

Get more sleep

Research shows that the immune system and sleep are closely related. Rest strengthens the body’s defense system. And when the body is fighting an infection, it needs energy and peace. Try to rest as much as possible – this will relax your muscles and speed up the recovery process.

Don’t be afraid of painkillers

Conventional painkillers (over-the-counter, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)) block the body from producing chemicals that cause inflammation. As a bonus, NSAIDs also help bring down the temperature. Don’t be afraid to take an ibuprofen or paracetamol tablet if you are sick. But remember about personal contraindications and carefully read the instructions.

Express named eight early symptoms of omicron infection – RBC

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Sore throat and runny nose, fatigue and headache, body aches and back pain, sneezing and night sweats can be early signs of infection with the omicron strain. These conclusions were made by scientists from the UK, the US and South Africa, writes the British newspaper Express.

Konstantin Chumakov, director of the Center for the Global Virological Network, told RBC that he has no reason not to believe the scientists who named these symptoms. “It is so indeed. The incubation period has really decreased, and the symptoms are just that. Observations say that a person can get sick very quickly – in two to three days. In the first place [among the symptoms] are a runny nose, cough, headache, pain in the muscles, in the back. These symptoms, in principle, are similar to the common cold, flu,” Chumakov said.

The Express publication states that these symptoms may appear up to two days after exposure and up to two weeks thereafter.