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.
Description: Caused by a new coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. Symptoms can be mild to severe and generally appear two to 14 days after exposure.
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 the flu. You can also have both diseases at the same time. Find COVID-19 testing
| SYMPTOMS | COVID-19 |
| Fever | Common, but not always present. |
| Loss of Taste or Smell | Yes |
| Headache | Common |
| Muscle Aches | Common |
| Tiredness/Weakness | Common |
| Extreme Exhaustion | Common |
| Sinus Congestion | Common |
| Sneezing | No |
| Sore Throat | Common (often scratchy) |
| Cough | Common (usually dry) |
| Vomiting/Diarrhea | Sometimes |
Description: Influenza is caused by influenza A and B viruses. Flu symptoms usually appear about one to four days after exposure. Symptoms come on suddenly and primarily affect the lungs and sinuses.
| SYMPTOMS | FLU |
| Fever | Usually 102°F, but can rise to 104°F and usually lasts 3 to 4 days. |
| Loss of Taste or Smell | Rare |
| Headache | Sudden onset, can be severe |
| Muscle Aches | Usual, often severe |
| Tiredness/Weakness | Can last 2 or more weeks. |
| Extreme Exhaustion | Sudden onset, can be severe |
| Sinus Congestion | Sometimes |
| Sneezing | Sometimes |
| Sore Throat | Sometimes |
| Cough | Often, can become severe |
| Vomiting/Diarrhea | Sometimes, especially in children. |
Description: Also referred to as a head-cold or upper respiratory infection. Usually comes on gradually.
| SYMPTOMS | COLD |
| Fever | Rare in adults and older children, but can be as high as 102°F in infants and small children. |
| Loss of Taste or Smell | Sometimes: due to stuffy nose. |
| Headache | Rare |
| Muscle Aches | Mild |
| Tiredness/Weakness | Mild |
| Extreme Exhaustion | Sometimes |
| Sinus Congestion | Often |
| Sneezing | Often |
| Sore Throat | Often |
| Cough | Mild, 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 | Slight, rare |
| Loss of Taste or Smell | Never |
| Headache | Sometimes |
| Muscle Aches | Sometimes |
| Tiredness/Weakness | Sometimes |
| Extreme Exhaustion | No |
| Sinus 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.
Content adapted from materials produced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.