What are the key symptoms of the flu, COVID-19, pneumonia, and the common cold? How can you tell them apart and know when to seek emergency care? Get the answers to your questions about winter illnesses.

Understanding the Types of Winter Bugs

As the weather turns colder, we’re faced with a host of potential illnesses that can make us feel under the weather. From the common cold to the flu, pneumonia, and COVID-19, each condition has its own set of symptoms and characteristics. It’s important to understand the differences between these winter bugs to ensure you receive the appropriate treatment and care.

Influenza (the Flu)

Influenza, or the flu, is a contagious virus that infects the respiratory system, causing infections of the nose, throat, and lungs. There are several types of flu viruses (influenza A, B, and C), but they all share similar symptoms. Flu symptoms tend to appear quickly and, while they may feel like they linger, typically last no more than two weeks. It’s important to note that the flu is caused by a virus, so it is not responsive to antibiotics. The best course of action is to rest, stay hydrated, and let the illness run its course.

COVID-19

COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, a novel coronavirus that targets the respiratory system. While most people who contract COVID-19 experience mild symptoms, some will develop more severe cases. The key symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, chills, dry cough, and the loss of taste and smell.

The Common Cold

Colds can be caused by a variety of viruses, with rhinoviruses being the most common culprit. Other viruses that can cause colds include respiratory syncytial virus, human parainfluenza viruses, adenovirus, common human coronaviruses, and human metapneumovirus. Compared to the flu and COVID-19, cold symptoms are usually less intense and often include a sore throat, sneezing, and a runny or congested nose.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a serious infection or inflammation of one or both lungs, typically caused by a viral or bacterial infection. It can be a result of severe cases of the flu, the common cold, or COVID-19. In young children, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of viral pneumonia. Pneumonia can be life-threatening and should be treated as soon as possible.

Symptom Comparison

While there are some overlapping symptoms between these winter illnesses, there are also key differences that can help you distinguish between them:

Flu Symptoms

• Fever and chills
• Dry cough
• Congested nose, sometimes sneezing
• Headaches
• Fatigue, occasional vomiting or diarrhea
• Decreased appetite
• Symptoms last for a week or longer

COVID-19 Symptoms

• Fever and chills
• Dry cough
• No sneezing, usually no runny nose
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue, occasional vomiting or diarrhea
• Loss of taste or smell
• Symptoms last two weeks or longer

Cold Symptoms

• Mild or no fever
• Dry or wet cough
• Runny or congested nose with sneezing
• Sore throat, but no aches
• Usually no fatigue
• Normal appetite
• Symptoms last about a week

Pneumonia Symptoms

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue

When to Seek Emergency Care

While most cases of the flu, COVID-19, and the common cold can be managed at home with rest and over-the-counter medications, it’s important to know the signs that indicate the need for emergency medical attention. Seek immediate help if you experience any of the following:

• Difficulty breathing
• Pain or pressure in your chest or stomach
• Sudden dizziness
• New confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Severe dehydration

Remember, the flu, COVID-19, and pneumonia can all lead to serious complications if left untreated. It’s crucial to monitor your symptoms and seek medical care when necessary.

Staying Healthy this Winter

While getting sick may sometimes be unavoidable, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones this winter. Get your annual flu shot, practice good hygiene, and stay vigilant for any concerning symptoms. By understanding the differences between these winter illnesses, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the season and ensure you receive the appropriate care when you need it.

Winter Bugs: Is it the Flu, COVID-19, Pneumonia or a Cold?

When the air becomes chilled, Jack Frost isn’t the only thing nipping at our noses. As we enter flu season, it can be difficult to know what illness you’ve come down with – whether it’s the common cold, flu, pneumonia, or COVID-19, each having similar symptoms. But not to worry, we’re here to help you understand the differences, recognize symptoms, and know what to do if you catch a pesky bug. 

What Are These Bugs? 

Influenza (the flu) is a contagious virus that causes infections of the nose, throat, and lungs. There are many types of flu (influenza A, B, and C) but we’ll talk high level about it. Flu symptoms are quick to appear and though it may feel as though they linger, they normally last no longer than two weeks. It’s also important to note that viruses are not responsive to antibiotics, making the flu a waiting game of fluids, tissues and rest. 

COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, a novel coronavirus that targets the respiratory system. Most people who contract it show mild symptoms, but some will experience more severe cases. Colds can be caused by a number of viruses. Rhinoviruses are the most common, but other viruses that can cause colds include respiratory syncytial virus, human parainfluenza viruses, adenovirus, common human coronaviruses, and human metapneumovirus (CDC, 2021). 

Pneumonia is a serious infection or inflammation of one or both lungs and is typically caused by a viral bacterial infection. It can be a result of severe cases of the flu, the common cold, or COVID-19. In young children, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of viral pneumonia. Pneumonia can be life-threatening and should be treated as soon as possible. 

Flu Symptoms

Fever and chills are telltale signs of the flu, but they can also come with COVID-19. The flu also comes with frequent headaches, which are less common with COVID-19 and the common cold.

• Symptoms come on quickly
• Fever and chills
• Dry cough
• Congested nose, sometimes sneezing
• Head and muscles ache
• Fatigue, occasional vomiting or diarrhea
• Decreased appetite
• Symptoms last for a week or longer

If you think you have the flu, get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids. Call your primary care provider, try virtual care, or call 317-621-2727 to arrange care.

And if you don’t yet have any symptoms, keep it that way by getting your annual flu shot! Community patients can get their vaccination at their primary care provider’s office, MedCheck or a Walgreens pharmacy location. Please call the office to schedule an appointment.

COVID-19 Symptoms

While the world continues to learn about COVID-19, its symptoms and its lasting effects, you probably remember the main symptoms to look out for: a fever coupled with dry cough and difficulty breathing. Losing your sense of taste and smell are also unique to COVID-19. 

• Symptoms come on within two weeks of exposure
• Fever and chills
• Dry cough
• No sneezing, usually no runny nose
• Muscles ache
• Fatigue, occasional vomiting or diarrhea
• Loss of taste or smell
• Symptoms last two weeks or longer

If you think you have COVID-19, it’s easy to get help at Community. Get a COVID-19 test at your local MedCheck or Community Clinic at Walgreens. You can also call your primary care provider or try virtual care to assess symptoms. Over-the-counter tests are available at your local drugstore, such as Walgreens, for diagnosis at home. 

Cold Symptoms

A cold can feel like the flu, but the symptoms are usually a bit less intense. It also differs from the flu and COVID-19 in that colds often come with a sore throat, sneezing and a runny nose.

• Symptoms come on slowly
• Mild or no fever
• Dry or wet cough
• Runny or congested nose with sneezing
• Sore throat, but no aches
• Usually no fatigue
• Normal appetite
• Symptoms last about a week

You can beat a cold with plenty of rest and over-the-counter medicine.

Overlapping symptoms of pneumonia, the flu, and COVID-19 include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue

When to Seek Emergency Care

Sometimes getting sick is inevitable, and the flu, COVID-19, and pneumonia can all lead to serious complications when ignored or left unchecked. Monitor your symptoms, and know the signs of needing emergency care.

Most cases of the flu pass within 3 – 5 days and don’t require medical attention. If you’re concerned about any symptoms — like a very high fever — you can call your healthcare provider.

Seek emergency help for the flu if you experience any of the following:

• Difficulty breathing
• Pain or pressure in your chest or stomach
• Sudden dizziness
• New confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Severe dehydration

Symptoms of COVID-19 may appear 2 – 14 days after exposure to the virus. It’s advised to stay home after exposure and until you test negative for COVID-19. However, if you experience any of these severe symptoms, seek medical attention:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in your chest
• New confusion
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds

If left untreated, pneumonia can be life-threatening — especially for high-risk individuals. You should call your doctor if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or a cough that won’t go away. Anyone with severe symptoms or trouble breathing should get emergency care. Additionally, these high-risk individuals should go to the emergency room if they are experiencing pneumonia-like symptoms:

• Infants or small children
• Individuals over the age of 65
• People with preexisting lung issues — like COPD or asthma
• People with chronic health issues — like heart disease

No matter if your symptoms point to the flu, COVID-19, a cold, or have escalated further to pneumonia, Community is standing by to keep you healthy this season. For more questions regarding the differences between these winter bugs, call your primary care provider, schedule at an urgent care location, or start a virtual care visit. 

References:

CDC (2021, Nov 29). Common Colds: Protect Yourself and Others. https://www.cdc.gov/features/rhinoviruses/index.html 

Am I Experiencing Cold or COVID-19 Symptoms?

When patients attempt to check their symptoms online, they may begin to spiral among the various answers they find. Because it can be difficult to tell your symptoms apart, you should always seek medical attention for diagnosis and treatment.

Our team at Better Faster Urgent Care is here to help you narrow down your symptoms by explaining the differences between COVID-19 and other common ailments.

Common Allergy Symptoms

Allergies are an immune reaction; your immune system is triggered when exposed to an allergen and works to protect your body. Therefore, an allergic reaction can trigger your immune system’s multiple reactions, including other conditions such as asthma or eczema.

The following are the most common signs of allergies:

• Runny nose, sneezing, or stuffiness
• Itchy, watery, or red eyes
• Hives on the skin
• Coughing and wheezing
• Difficulty breathing (asthma)

Allergies vs. COVID-19

It’s important to note that patients with allergies do not experience a fever. However, most symptomatic patients with COVID-19 experience a fever at some point during the illness. If you do not experience a fever, this may be a sign that you do not have COVID-19, but you should still seek medical attention to be sure.

Do I Have A Cold Or COVID-19?

Just like the seasonal flu and COVID-19, common colds affect your nose and throat and enter the body through droplets in the air or through direct contact with a person who is sick. Many types of viruses can cause a common cold, but rhinoviruses are the most common culprit.

Symptoms of the common cold can vary widely from person to person, but the most common symptoms include:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Congestion
• Slight body aches
• Mild headache
• Sneezing
• Low-grade fever

The best way to know if you are experiencing a cold, or COVID-19 symptoms, is to get tested. Trust the professionals at Better Faster Urgent Care for COVID-19 testing in Southlake, TX.

Common Flu Symptoms

The seasonal flu, caused by influenza viruses, infects your nose, throat, and lungs. It’s important for patients to know that you can spread the flu before you know you are sick, beginning one day before symptoms develop and five to seven days after becoming ill.

Common symptoms of the flu include:

• High fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches and/or joint pain
• Dry cough
• Chills
• Sore throat
• Nasal congestion
• Runny nose
• Fatigue
• Nausea or vomiting (most common in children)

The Flu vs.

COVID-19

Cases of the seasonal flu typically spike between November and February in the U.S. According to the CDC, you can contract the seasonal flu and COVID-19 at the same time. The influenza virus and the SARS CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 are contagious conditions that can result in serious illness, including hospitalization.

Common COVID-19 Symptoms

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It triggers what doctors call a respiratory tract infection — affecting your upper respiratory tract (sinuses, nose, and throat) and lower respiratory tract (windpipe and lungs).

After a person is exposed to the novel coronavirus, symptoms can take 2-14 days to appear. However, patients may also be asymptomatic — meaning they have the virus but show no symptoms.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are:

• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Fever
• Chills
• Muscle pain
• Sore throat
• Sudden loss of taste or smell

The following are emergency warning signs of COVID-19 that warrant immediate medical attention:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion
• Inability to stay awake
• Bluish lips or face

Most patients find it difficult to determine if they have COVID-19 or the flu, and the best way to tell is to get tested. If you believe that you may have COVID-19, you should seek medical attention immediately.

When Should I Get Tested for COVID-19?

According to the CDC, you should be tested for COVID-19 if you display common symptoms, have had close contact with someone with a confirmed case, or have been asked to be tested by an employer or government official.

COVID-19, Flu, and Allergy Treatment at Better Faster Urgent Care

If you’re still not sure if your condition is simply allergies or a more serious viral infection, visit our urgent care for treatment today. If you believe that you may have come in contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19 and wish to be tested at Better Faster Urgent Care, you can now schedule your visit online.

To book your COVID-19 testing appointment, visit us online today.

After a cold / Schoolchildren’s Health

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After a cold / Schoolchildren’s Health

Everyone remembers the doctor’s joke: a cold, if treated, goes away in seven days. And if not treated, then in a week. But if the child has been sniffing and coughing for several weeks, you should worry. Viruses that cause acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections are dangerous because they leave “marks” in the body that attract pathogens. The immunity of a child, weakened by a cold, is not able to repel more and more infectious attacks – hence the complications. What is behind the words ARI and SARS? Both diseases are caused by airborne viruses. They are accompanied by fever (perhaps even up to 40 degrees), headache and muscle pain, aching joints, decreased activity, fatigue, runny nose, cough and lack of appetite. If these symptoms do not disappear within a few weeks, doctors state: the disease gave complications .

Why do complications occur?

The first cause of trouble is the wrong approach to treating the disease. A child during illness should not attend school, he is prescribed bed rest.

All medical measures must be prescribed by a doctor. In no case should parents give the student pills at their own discretion.

The second cause of complications is a weakened immune system. The child’s body becomes vulnerable to different groups of bacteria and viruses. If during this period the student suffers stress, gets cold or gets too tired, malaise will not take long.

How to understand that the disease has not gone away, but has settled down for a long time? First of all, a headache should alert you. If the child complains of constant pressure in the forehead, immediately consult an otolaryngologist. It is necessary to make an x-ray of the frontal and maxillary sinuses of the nose in order to exclude frontal sinusitis or sinusitis.

Pain can also appear in bright light or when pressing on the eyeballs. I want to close my eyes, to be in the dark. Temperature stays at 37.1-37.5 and does not fall even when taking antipyretics. The child has convulsions, lethargy, hallucinations, which means that the virus has penetrated the central nervous system, and you urgently need to seek help from a neurologist .

The most common complications after ARVI are pneumonia, bronchitis, tracheitis, otitis media, pyelonephritis, subfebrile condition (high temperature for a long time). A few words should be said about each of these diagnoses.

Bronchitis

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi. The causative agent of the disease are respiratory viruses, as well as mycoplasma and chlamydia. The main symptom of bronchitis is coughing. At first it is dry and unproductive, then sputum appears. Cough occurs against the background of a temperature of 37.1-37.5.

Bronchitis can also be accompanied by cervical lymphadenitis (inflammation of the lymph nodes). A small patient is shown bed rest and inhalation. At normal temperature and a strong productive cough, chest massage is necessary for better sputum discharge.

Pneumonia

Inflammation of the lungs (pneumonia) can start suddenly. During ARVI, against the background of high temperature, the child develops pain in the chest area, cough with sputum (sputum may be rusty in color with streaks of blood), shortness of breath, pain on inspiration. On auscultation, the doctor hears wheezing in the lungs. Pain can also occur in the abdomen with constant coughing, when the muscles of the abdominal wall are irritated. The schoolboy complains of weakness, loss of appetite, sometimes clouding of consciousness occurs. It is necessary to make an x-ray of the child’s chest and contact a pulmonologist for the appointment of antibiotic therapy. The student is also shown breathing exercises and chest massage.

Laryngitis

This is an inflammation of the vocal cords and larynx. Swelling of the mucous membrane of the larynx leads to the appearance of a barking cough (false croup). The child breathes noisily and with difficulty, suffers from a hypoxic state, when enough oxygen does not enter the body. He is dizzy and short of breath.

At the first sign of a false croup, you need to call an ambulance. At home, an attack can be removed with hot alkaline inhalations and a foot bath. Encourage your child to talk less. The pediatrician will prescribe the patient physiotherapy and dry hot compresses on the neck.

Sinusitis

The first signs of sinusitis – inflammation of the sinuses, in addition to shortness of breath, are pressing headaches, swelling of the eyelids, cheeks, nasal, purulent discharge. The occurrence of this complication is also possible some time after the respiratory disease.

Treatment can also be carried out at home with folk remedies: apply salt, buckwheat or a boiled hot egg heated in a bag to the nose. If after three days the condition does not improve, contact your pediatrician. It may not be possible to do without antibiotic therapy. In this case, it is desirable to combine it with physiotherapy.

Otitis

Typically, otitis media develops a few days after a respiratory infection and presents with shooting, throbbing pain. With otitis, the child’s temperature rises, appetite disappears, and in some cases, hearing. When the eardrum is perforated, suppuration begins and an urgent need to contact a pediatrician, because there is a risk of meningitis. Antibiotic treatment is necessary in this case.

Subfebrile condition

This is a condition in which body temperature remains at 37.1-37.5 for several days or even weeks after an acute respiratory viral infection. As a rule, this happens if infections such as mycoplasma or chlamydia join ARVI. The child’s condition may be satisfactory, but weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite are also possible. Usually the temperature decreases in the evening, that is, in a calm state, and rises during physical exertion. This condition is very exhausting for the child. It is necessary to find out whether mycoplasma and chlamydial infections are really the cause of subfebrile condition. To do this, you need to take a blood test for these types of bacteria. If the diagnosis is confirmed, the child will have to undergo a course of antibiotic therapy. If not, the pediatrician will have to find a focus of chronic infection in the child’s body (sinusitis, tonsillitis, catarrhal otitis media, lymphadenitis), which gives such a complication.

Pyelonephritis

This infectious and inflammatory disease of the kidneys can be caused by both bacteria and viruses. Mixed flora is also possible. The main complaints in pyelonephritis are pain in the lower back, sometimes in the abdomen, headache, temperature 37.0-37.9. If a protein is found in the urine in numbers greater than 0.140 g / l (permissible value), the child must be hospitalized in a hospital. The student will be prescribed bed rest and a salt-restricted diet. Children with pyelonephritis are registered in a polyclinic and urinalysis is done every two weeks for three months.

Take care of your children, don’t let it get complicated. Do whatever you can to make sure they get over the cold easily. Remember, during the child’s illness, the doctor must visit him several times, even if the patient only has a fever and rhinitis.

Tatyana Semenchenya, doctor of the Independent Laboratory INVITRO

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What to do at a temperature without symptoms of the disease > Rubric in Samara

The temperature, which does not differ much from the norm, but is already a sign of ill health, is usually called subfebrile in medicine.

In this situation, the thermometer may show 37.0 – 37.5°C for a long time. Sometimes the indicators can reach 37.9 ° C. If no other symptoms bother a person, doctors will have to conduct a series of additional tests to understand the cause. Prolonged subfebrile temperature is a special subject of study in therapeutic practice. Patients with such complaints come to the appointment quite often. According to statistics, in 70 – 80% of cases, protracted subfebrile condition occurs in young women with signs of asthenia, in those who suffer from increased fatigue, weakness, irritability, nervousness, have sleep disturbances and other psychopathological disorders. If the fever persists for more than a month or two, then a comprehensive examination is necessary.

Causes

Increased body temperature is caused by certain proteins – pyrogens. They can enter the body from the external environment or be produced spontaneously inside it. These proteins have a connection with the hypothalamus, activate the immune system and affect the general well-being of a person.

In some cases, subfebrile temperature may indicate that a disease has been infected. In others – about a malfunction in the body. Also, sometimes there are congenital pathologies that cause an increase in temperature.

Disorder of thermoregulation can serve as one of the signs of vegetovascular dystonia. With such a disease, a temperature often appears without symptoms of a cold. A person complains of heaviness in the head, weakness, pain. The heat in the body is abruptly replaced by chills. Cold palms and feet may indicate the local nature of thermoregulation failures. In most patients with dystonia, fever can persist for up to several months.

There are cases when subfebrile condition causes an increase in the number of simple microbes, which in normal times are not dangerous. This is due to a weakened immune system. The reason for the increase in temperature can also be autoimmune processes, when the body’s defenses mistakenly begin to attack healthy tissue.

— In case of any increase in temperature, you should contact your local doctor. The specialist will first prescribe a general blood and urine test. Based on their results, he will decide on further examination and treatment. In general, absolutely any stress, including emotional stress, can affect the increase in body temperature. Oleg Fatenkov, chief therapist of the Samara region

In addition, doctors say that often a temperature of 37.0 – 37.5 ° C is a sign of an allergy of a hidden or obvious course. If the indicator reaches 38 ° C and lasts for a long time, then this can be a sign of serious diseases: bronchitis, sinusitis, tuberculosis, latent infections, tumor processes.

Subfebrile condition can also be caused by changes in temperature, stress, hormonal imbalance, and taking certain medications.

What to do?

In any case, a visit to a specialist is necessary. Do not try to bring down the temperature at home with drugs without the advice of a doctor.