Fall brings cooler temperatures, holiday gatherings, and more time spent indoors. It also brings an increase in respiratory illnesses. When you develop a runny nose, sneezing, cough, fatigue, or sore throat, it can be difficult to know whether you are dealing with allergies, a cold, the flu, COVID-19, or another illness.
As a nurse practitioner, I see patients every year with cold- and flu-like symptoms who are trying to figure out what is making them feel sick.
How Can You Tell the Difference?
Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to triggers such as pollen, mold, dust mites, or animal dander. Symptoms may come and go or persist while you are exposed to the trigger.
Common symptoms include:
Sneezing
Runny or stuffy nose
Itchy nose, throat, or eyes
Scratchy throat
Allergies usually do not cause fever, body aches, or significant fatigue.
The Common Cold is a mild viral illness that often develops gradually. Most people begin to feel better within 7-10 days, although a cough can last longer.
Common symptoms include:
Runny or stuffy nose
Sneezing
Sore throat
Cough
Mild fatigue
Mild headache
Fever can occur, especially in children, but is less common in adults.
Influenza, commonly called the flu, is a viral infection that often feels much more intense than a typical cold. Symptoms tend to come on suddenly and make you feel too unwell to continue normal activities.
Fever or chills
Headache
Significant fatigue
Body aches
Cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Recovery can take one to two weeks or longer. Getting your annual flu vaccine is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of influenza and its complications.
COVID-19 can cause many of the same symptoms as a cold or flu. Symptoms may range from mild to more serious and can include:
Cough
Sore throat
Congestion
Fatigue
Headache
Fever or chills
Body aches
Changes in taste or smell
Because symptoms overlap, testing may be needed to determine whether COVID-19 or influenza is causing your illness. At-home tests are readily available at most pharmacies.
Most mild respiratory illnesses can be managed with rest, fluids, and treatment of the symptoms.
Contact your healthcare provider if you develop:
A high fever or fever that lasts for more than one or two days
New shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Chest pain, chest discomfort, or significant chest congestion
Dehydration or inability to keep fluids down
Symptoms that are getting worse instead of improving
A persistent or worsening cough
Key Takeaways
You can't always tell the difference between allergies, a cold, the flu, and COVID-19 based on symptoms alone. Consider testing for COVID-19 and flu when available, especially if you are at a higher risk for complications.
Protect yourself this season!
Wash your hands regularly.
Stay home when you are sick and avoid close contact with others.
Cover coughs and sneezes,
Get adequate sleep, drink plenty of fluids, and support your overall health.
A few simple preventive steps can help keep you—and those around you—healthier throughout the fall and winter.