With the flu season in full swing, it is important to know the difference between COVID-19 and typical flu symptoms. While it can be hard to tell what is causing your symptoms, this blog post will help you determine if you have the flu or if it might be something more serious, like Covid-19. So, let’s dive into the differences between these two illnesses. Speedy Sticks offers Covid-19 and Flu testing from the comfort of your own home, office, or wherever you may be. You can book your testing appointment with Speedy Sticks by visiting our website www.SpeedySticks.com, calling (347-292-9570), or emailing [email protected].

Common Symptoms of Covid-19 and Flu 

While there are some common symptoms for both COVID-19 and influenza, there are also key differences that can help you determine which illness you may have. Common symptoms of both include fever, headache, fatigue, chills, body aches/muscle pain, sore throat, and congestion/runny nose. These symptoms often appear 2 to 14 days after exposure to the virus.

However, there are a few key differences that can help you distinguish between COVID-19 and influenza. One of the main differences is that many people with COVID-19 experience loss of taste or smell while those with the flu don’t usually have this symptom. Additionally, some people with COVID-19 may have gastrointestinal issues such as nausea/vomiting or diarrhea while these symptoms are less common in those with influenza. Finally, shortness of breath is much more commonly seen in patients with COVID-19 than those with influenza.

Seeking Medical Care for Covid-19 and Flu Symptoms 3

If you suspect that your symptoms could be related to either COVID-19 or Influenza A/B virus infection (the flu), make sure to contact your healthcare provider immediately for further evaluation and testing as appropriate. Your healthcare provider will ask about your travel history and other exposures as well as provide guidance on how best to protect yourself from additional exposure. Additionally, they will work with you to determine whether a test for either virus is necessary as well as provide guidance on when/if medical care is needed- should your symptoms become worse over time.

It can be difficult to determine if your symptoms are due to a cold or the flu versus something more serious like COVID- 19; however, understanding the differences between these illnesses can help you take steps toward protecting yourself and others from becoming infected or ill due to either virus infection. Make sure to contact your healthcare provider if any new signs or symptoms arise so they can provide guidance on how best to manage them appropriately!

​​*This content is for informational purposes only and is not meant to replace consulting with a healthcare professional. Please consult with your primary care physician or healthcare provider before engaging in any services offered by Speedy Sticks.