Do you have a runny nose? Fever? Body aches? When you start to feel run down, it’s natural to assume the worst during this time and skip to the conclusion that you have the coronavirus. However, it’s important to be aware of the different symptoms between the cold and the flu so that you can act appropriately.
Colds
With a cold, you’re likely to start with a sore throat for the first day or two, then have things move into your nose. You may have a runny nose, congestion, and then a cough. It’s rare for an adult to have a fever with a cold, but not so for a child.
There is no cure for a cold. The best remedy is to start hydrated and well-rested.
Flu
Flu symptoms tend to be more severe and come on more rapidly than the cold. With the flu, you may experience a fever, chills, sore throat, headache, body aches, congestion, and a runny nose. The flu tends to last longer than a cold and it’s not unusual to feel sick for a week or longer.
Again, there is no cure for the flu. However, if caught early, antiviral medication can help to shave a few days off the flu and ease your symptoms.
Coronavirus
With the coronavirus dominating the headlines, it’s natural to think that your cough is a sign of something more than just a cold or the flu. COVID-19 can be very serious, especially for older people and those with underlying health conditions. Symptoms range from mild to severe. The most reported symptoms of the coronavirus include tiredness, shortness of breath, a fever, a cough, and possibly some nasal congestion.
Call your doctor if you know you’ve been exposed to someone who has COVID-19 or have traveled to an area with widespread transmission. Remember that around 80 percent of people recover from the disease without needing treatment.
We hope that these tips help you to better understand the differences between the flu, a cold, and the coronavirus. For all of your personal and commercial insurance needs, contact the team at Unisource Insurance Associates.