This information has been reviewed and approved by Patrick Stendel, MPH, Infection Preventionist (January 2024).
Cold, Flu or COVID-19 virus?
Symptoms | Cold | Flu | COVID-19 |
Symptoms begin | Gradually | Abruptly | Within 14 days of exposure |
Symptoms last | 4 - 10 days | 5 - 7 days | Varies by person |
Body aches | ✓ | ✓ | Sometimes |
Chills | Less common | ✓ | Sometimes |
Dry cough | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Exposure to germs | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Fatigue/weakness | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Fever | Less common | ✓ | ✓ |
Headaches | Less common | ✓ | Sometimes |
Itchy eyes | — | — | — |
Nasal congestion | ✓ | ✓ | Sometimes |
Nausea/Vomiting/Diarrhea | Sometimes | Sometimes | Sometimes |
New loss of taste or smell | Sometimes | Sometimes | ✓ |
Repeated shaking with chills | Sometimes | Sometimes | Sometimes |
Runny nose | — | — | Sometimes |
Sneeze | ✓ | ✓ | Sometimes |
Sore throat | ✓ | ✓ | Sometimes |
Shortness of breath | Less common | ✓ | ✓ |
Symptoms get worse | — | ✓ | ✓ |
Think You Have COVID-19?
- Stay home and away from others.
- Monitor symptoms.
- Rest.
- Cover coughs and sneezes.
- Wash hands with soap and water often.
- Treat symptoms.
Contact your doctor if you have a fever, cough, difficulty breathing or existing chronic disease.
COVID-19 symptoms can be slightly different with the Delta variant.