Respiratory viral infections, such as the flu and COVID-19, are tricky things. Because they are the same type of infection, their symptoms are almost mirror images of each other. But beware! They aren’t the same sickness.

If you have found yourself under the weather and your symptoms line up with both of these viruses, it’s important to know which one you have. Read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care Powdersville provides some helpful information on how you can decipher the two from each other.

How Can I Tell If I Have COVID-19?

As we said earlier, the flu and COVID-19 are both respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by two different viruses. The flu is caused by an infection with influenza viruses, and COVID-19 is caused by an infection with a new coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2.

You can tell if you have the coronavirus by getting a positive test when you experience some of the below symptoms, but experts do say that one of the most telling signs of COVID-19 is a new loss of taste.

Common Symptoms of COVID-19

• Cough
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fever or chills
• Headaches

What Happens When I Have the Flu?

The big difference between the flu and the coronavirus is that, even though flu symptoms and COVID-19 symptoms look a lot alike, flu symptoms come on hard and fast.

If you believe you have a flu, you can confirm with a flu test performed at AFC. In general, you can usually recover at home by treating individual symptoms using OTC medications and other remedies.

Common Flu Symptoms

• Joint and muscle aches
• Pain and tiredness around the eyes
• Weakness or extreme fatigue
• Warm, flushed skin and red, watery eyes
• Frequent headaches
• Fever

If you get sick this year, AFC Urgent Care Powdersville has your back! Visit us if you feel under the weather, need general medical care or for your scheduled COVID-19 or flu tests.