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.