Getting sick now feels more stressful than ever. A single cough could send someone into a panic, wondering, “Is it a cold, the flu or COVID-19?”

The concern is understandable. All three illnesses can have overlapping symptoms, and that only adds to the confusion and anxiety. But when the sniffles set in, try not to panic. To help you identify and make sense of your symptoms, we’ve created a guide that covers the common signs of each of the three illnesses. Take a deep breath or three and read on. Then, call your health care provider with any questions or concerns—only they can give you a conclusive diagnosis and treatment plan.

Symptoms of COVID-19

COVID-19 is an illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It’s a respiratory disease that most frequently results in mild to moderate symptoms, but it can cause some people to become seriously ill or even die. People who are at higher risk of developing severe illness include older adults and people with underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and chronic respiratory disease.

Common symptoms of COVID-19 may include the following, as listed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

  • Fever and chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing
  • Muscle/body aches
  • Headache
  • Loss of smell or taste
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion/runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Further, the CDC states that people experiencing the following COVID-19 symptoms should seek emergency medical care (this is not a full list, contact your health care provider regarding any symptom that concerns you):

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Confusion
  • Ongoing chest pain or pressure
  • Trouble waking or staying awake
  • Pale, gray or blue-colored skin, nail beds or lips (depending on skin color)

When it comes to COVID-19, keep in mind that you can opt for immunity! The COVID-19 vaccine can protect you from catching the virus or getting severely sick from it. The CDC recommends vaccination for everyone 5 years old and older. The vaccine should be readily available at your local pharmacy or health care provider’s office.

Symptoms of Influenza

Influenza, also known as the flu, is a respiratory illness that is caused by influenza viruses. Although people can contract the flu at any time of year, the flu is more likely to spread during the fall and winter, peaking December through February, which is why that time of year is named “flu season.” Flu can come on suddenly and cause mild to severe symptoms, and in some cases, even death. The CDC says that those most at risk of developing serious illness include older adults; people with chronic conditions, including  asthma, diabetes or heart disease; pregnant people; and children younger than 5—and especially children younger than 2.

Common symptoms of influenza may include the following, as listed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

  • Fever/feeling feverish, chills
  • Sore throat
  • Cough
  • Runny/stuffy nose
  • Body aches/pains
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Vomiting and/or diarrhea (more common in children than adults) 

Further, the CDC states that experiencing the following influenza symptoms should seek emergency medical care (this is not a full list, call your health care provider about any symptom that concerns you):

In children

  • Fast breathing/trouble breathing
  • Bluish lips/face
  • Ribs pulling in when breathing
  • Chest pain
  • Severe muscle pain
  • Dehydration
  • Not alert or interacting when awake
  • Seizures
  • Fever above 104°F (or any fever in children younger than 12 weeks)
  • Fever or cough that improves at first but then returns or worsens
  • Worsening of chronic medical conditions

In adults

  • Difficulty breathing/shortness of breath
  • Persistent pain/pressure in chest or abdomen
  • Persistent dizziness, confusion or inability to awaken
  • Seizures
  • Not urinating
  • Severe muscle pain
  • Severe weakness or unsteadiness
  • Fever or cough that seems to improve but then returns or worsens
  • Worsening of chronic medical conditions

When it comes to the flu, too, you can opt for immunity! The CDC recommends flu vaccination for everyone six months and older (with the exception of people who have certain allergies).  Contact your doctor or pharmacy to schedule an appointment for an influenza vaccine if you haven’t already.

Symptoms of the Common Cold

The common cold can be caused by any number of viruses, but most often it’s caused by a rhinovirus. A cold can strike at any time of year, but is more common in the spring and winter. According to the CDC, adults get colds, on average, two to three times a year and children may get them more frequently, as can people with weakened immune systems. People who smoke or are around second-hand smoke are also more likely to catch a cold or experience more severe symptoms. Usually a cold lasts seven to 10 days and doesn’t require help from a health care provider; but if symptoms linger or are especially severe, you should talk to your doctor.

According to Mayo Clinic, a cold could lead to other infections, such as pneumonia and strep throat, as well as croup and bronchiolitis in children. So if you feel unwell and are concerned it’s more than a cold, talk to your doctor. 

Here are the common symptoms of a cold, as listed by the CDC:

  • Runny/stuffy nose
  • Congestion
  • Sneezing
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Mild body aches/headache
  • Low-grade fever
  • Feeling generally not well

The CDC states that experiencing the following cold symptoms should talk to their health care provider (this is not a full list, call your health care provider about any symptom that concerns you):

In adults:

  • A fever higher than 100.3 that lasts more than three days; or that improves and returns
  • Shortness of breath or wheezing
  • Severe sore throat, headache or sinus pain

In children:

  • Fever of 100.4 in newborns up to 12 weeks
  • Fever that rises or lasts more than two days
  • Severe headache, throat pain or cough
  • Difficulty breathing/wheezing
  • Ear pain
  • Extreme fussiness
  • Unusual drowsiness
  • Diminished appetite

Now that you’ve read through the symptoms, you can see just how much overlap there is among these three illnesses! That’s why distinguishing which one you might have should be left to a health care professional. If you haven’t already taken a COVID-19 test, talk with your provider, share your symptoms and if they recommend it, get tested. Then, you’ll have a plan of action and maybe even peace of mind. And, again, if you haven’t received your COVID-19 or influenza vaccine, put those at the top of your to-do list as soon as you’re on the mend!