Tis the season for common viruses like those that cause influenza and the common cold. Add this to the surge in cases of COVID-19 in our communities, and there is a potential for confusion when you or someone in your family begins to develop symptoms.
This is especially true since common respiratory symptoms are associated with a bad cold, the flu and COVID. Some of these include:
- Fever or feeling feverish/chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle pain or body aches
However, even though much is still unknown about COVID-19, it does have some characteristics that stand out:
- Some COVID-19 patients report a loss of taste or smell.
- COVID-19 symptoms generally appear two to 14 days after exposure. Flu symptoms usually appear about one to four days after exposure.
- COVID-19 appears to be more contagious and to spread more quickly than the flu.
- Severe illness such as lung injury is more frequent with COVID-19 than with influenza.
- The mortality (death) rate also is higher with COVID-19 than the flu.
“If you are experiencing symptoms, you should contact your health care provider right away and self-isolate,” said Dr. Andrew French, Centura Health Vice President and Physician Executive for Quality, Safety and Operations.
Most people experience mild symptoms, but the CDC says you should seek immediate care if your symptoms get worse or become moderate to severe, such as trouble breathing or severe fatigue. The CDC recommends that you call your health care provider or go to an emergency department in these cases.
“We would never want you to delay getting potentially life-saving or other important care because of the coronavirus. Our hospital emergency departments, freestanding emergency departments, and emergent and urgent care centers are prepared to safely care for you,” Dr. French said.
Since it may be hard to determine which illness you have based on symptoms alone, testing may be needed to help confirm a diagnosis. Learn about COVID-19 testing options in your community, whether you are experiencing symptoms or believe you may have been exposed.
Although a vaccine for COVID-19 is not yet available for distribution to the public, a safe and effective flu vaccine is available right now, and everyone ages six months or older is encouraged to get vaccinated.
“It is especially important to receive a flu shot this season as hospitals are already busy due to the rise in COVID-related hospitalizations,” said Dr. French. “In fact, we need to do everything right – including getting a flu shot – to make sure we have the health care capacity we need to treat all of the community members who need care.”
