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How to Know If It’s a Cold, Flu or COVID

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Is it a 1cold? The 2flu? A 3sinus infection, or COVID-19? Since symptoms of all of these illnesses are 4similar, it may be hard to 5tell the difference.

“Probably flu will be pretty severe this year. COVID cases will probably go up.”

Dr. Barbara Bawer with Ohio State’s Wexner Medical Center says anyone who gets sick should pay close attention to all of their symptoms. She says if you have a dry cough, it’s likely caused by COVID-19. As cold and sinus infections 6are tied to 7nasal congestion leading to the cause that tend to be more 8mucousy.

A fever might signal the flu. Bawer says a fever can accompany COVID but not quite as often and rarely with a cold or sinus infection. If you have 9shortness of breath, it’s most likely COVID-19. This symptom only rarely is associated with a cold, flu or sinus infection. Also, pay attention to how long it took you to feel sick. Bawer says sinus infections and colds typically continue to get worse over a couple of days -- flu affects a person immediately -- while the timing of COVID-19 symptoms can vary based on vaccine status and 10immunity from a prior infection. Taking an at-home COVID test can help.

“Just to know whether you are positive or not and then schedule an appointment with your doctor to see if you’11re eligible for, you know, certain treatments.”

Bawer says the best way to protect yourself from severe illness from COVID and the flu is to 12get vaccinated.