Understand the Differences Between the Common Cold, Stomach Viruses, Flu and COVID-19

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.

COVID-19

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.

Influenza (Flu)

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.

Common Cold

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

Stomach Flu

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.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

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.

What Am I Sick With?