Cold, Flu, Allergies and COVID
Be aware of your health, monitor symptoms, and take precautions to stay healthy. Colds, flu and allergies haven’t been very prevalent in the past year or so because of the layers of COVID-19 precautions. However, we are starting to see them return.
COVID-19, ALLERGY, FLU AND COLD SYMPTOMS
COVID-19, allergies, flu and cold symptoms can seem very similar, and it can be difficult to know the difference. Consider this chart, adopted from the Mayo Clinic, as a guide to help you identify what symptoms pertain to what illnesses.
SYMPTOM OR SIGN |
COVID-19 |
COLD |
FLU |
ALLERGY |
Cough
|
Usually (dry)
|
Usually
|
Usually
|
Sometimes
|
Muscle aches
|
Usually
|
Sometimes
|
Usually
|
Never
|
Tiredness
|
Usually
|
Sometimes
|
Usually
|
Sometimes
|
Sneezing
|
Rarely
|
Sometimes
|
Never
|
Usually
|
Sore throat
|
Usually
|
Usually
|
Usually
|
Rarely
|
Runny or stuffy nose
|
Usually
|
Usually
|
Usually
|
Usually
|
Fever
|
Usually
|
Sometimes
|
Usually
|
Never
|
Diarrhea
|
Sometimes
|
Never
|
Sometimes (more common in children)
|
Never
|
Nausea or vomiting
|
Sometimes
|
Never
|
Sometimes (more common in children)
|
Never
|
New loss of taste or smell
|
Usually
|
Sometimes (especially with a stuffy nose)
|
Rarely
|
Sometimes
|
Itchy nose, eyes, mouth, or inner ear
|
Rarely
|
Never
|
Never
|
Usually
|
Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
|
Sometimes
|
Never
|
Never
|
Sometimes
|
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
|
Usually
|
Rarely
|
Usually
|
Sometimes
|
*scale rankings - usually, sometimes, rarely, never
BASIC PRECAUTIONS
While colds, flu, allergies, and COVID-19 may be treated differently, the same basic precautions can help keep you healthy. Consider the following safety measures:
-
Get vaccinated for COVID-19 and flu
-
Wash your hands frequently
-
Avoid touching your face
-
Stay away from crowds and people who are sick
-
Practice social distancing
-
Wear a mask to protect yourself and others
If your symptoms are consistent with COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, you should get tested. Students, when you contact the Health Center, they’ll help you decide whether you should test for COVID-19. If you’re exhibiting symptoms and waiting for a COVID-19 test result, you should self-quarantine, which means stay home and limit your exposure to others until the test has been returned.