Select from options below to see how COVID-19 symptoms compare with influenza (the flu), the common cold and stomach viruses or download the "What Am I Sick With?" symptom comparison table.
Because COVID-19 and flu have similar symptoms, it can be hard to diagnose which condition you have based on your symptoms alone. It is extremely important to get tested if you suspect you have COVID-19 or flu. You can also have both diseases at the same time.
Description: Caused by a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. Symptoms can be mild to severe and generally appear 2 - 14 days after exposure.
SYMPTOMS |
COVID-19 |
|---|---|
Fever |
Common, but not always present. |
Chills |
Common |
Loss of Taste or Smell |
Sometimes |
Headache |
Common |
Muscle Aches |
Common |
Tiredness/Weakness |
Common |
Extreme Exhaustion |
Common |
Congestion |
Common |
Sneezing |
Rarely |
Sore Throat |
Common |
Cough |
Common |
Vomiting/Diarrhea |
Sometimes |
Because COVID-19 and flu have similar symptoms, it can be hard to diagnose which condition you have based on your symptoms alone. It is extremely important to get tested if you suspect you have COVID-19 or flu. You can also have both diseases at the same time. |
|
Description: Influenza is caused by influenza A and B viruses. Flu symptoms usually appear about 1 - 4 days after exposure. Symptoms come on suddenly and primarily affect the lungs and sinuses.
SYMPTOMS |
FLU |
|---|---|
Fever |
Common; can last 3-4 days |
Chills |
Common |
Loss of Taste or Smell |
Rare |
Headache |
Sudden onset, can be severe |
Muscle Aches |
Usual, often severe |
Tiredness/Weakness |
Usual |
Extreme Exhaustion |
Sudden onset, can be severe |
Congestion |
Sometimes |
Sneezing |
Sometimes |
Sore Throat |
Sometimes |
Cough |
Common, can be severe |
Vomiting/Diarrhea |
Sometimes, especially in children |
Because COVID-19 and flu have similar symptoms, it can be hard to diagnose which condition you have based on your symptoms alone. It is extremely important to get tested if you suspect you have COVID-19 or flu. You can also have both diseases at the same time. |
|
Description: Also referred to as a head-cold or upper respiratory infection. Common colds are caused by several different viruses, but rhinoviruses are the most common. Usually comes on gradually.
SYMPTOMS |
COLD |
|---|---|
Fever |
Rare in adults and older children but infants and small children could have a slight fever |
Chills |
Uncommon |
Loss of Taste or Smell |
Sometimes due to stuffy nose |
Headache |
Rare |
Muscle Aches |
Slight |
Tiredness/Weakness |
Sometimes |
Extreme Exhaustion |
Sometimes |
Congestion |
Common |
Sneezing |
Common |
Sore Throat |
Common |
Cough |
Mild to moderate, hacking |
Vomiting/Diarrhea |
Sometimes |
Description: Sometimes misnamed “stomach flu.”* Usually caused by a virus, often norovirus. Also called gastroenteritis. Usually comes on suddenly.
SYMPTOMS |
STOMACH VIRUS |
|---|---|
Fever |
Sometimes |
Chills |
Sometimes |
Loss of Taste or Smell |
Never |
Headache |
Sometimes |
Muscle Aches |
Sometimes |
Tiredness/Weakness |
Sometimes |
Extreme Exhaustion |
No |
Congestion |
No |
Sneezing |
No |
Sore Throat |
No |
Cough |
No |
Vomiting/Diarrhea |
Yes |
*This is not a form of influenza virus nor can the influenza vaccine protect against it. |
|
Description: Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) virus (RSV) is a respiratory virus that can affect people of all ages. Symptoms typically affect the lungs and sinuses and appear in 4 – 6 days.
SYMPTOMS |
RSV |
|---|---|
Fever |
Common, but not always present. |
Chills |
Sometimes |
Loss of Taste or Smell |
Never |
Headache |
Rare |
Muscle Aches |
Sometimes |
Tiredness/Weakness |
Sometimes |
Extreme Exhaustion |
No |
Congestion |
Common |
Sneezing |
Common |
Sore Throat |
Sometimes |
Cough |
Common |
Vomiting/Diarrhea |
Never, but may cause decrease in appetite |
Content adapted from materials produced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
