What’s the difference between the flu and COVID-19?

The symptoms of COVID-19, the flu, and allergies have some overlap, but are often different. The main symptoms of COVID-19 are: tiredness fever cough shortness of breath Sneezing is not typical. Flu symptoms are similar to COVID-19 including fever and body aches. But you may not find shortness of breath as a symptom with the flu. Allergy symptoms are usually more chronic and include sneezing, coughing, and wheezing. What are the symptoms of the flu? Here are some of the common symptoms of the flu: Fever The flu almost always causes an increase in your body temperature. This is also known as a fever. Most flu-related fevers range from a low-grade fever around 100°F (37.8°C) to as high as 104°F (40°C). Although alarming, it’s not uncommon for young children to have higher fevers than adults. If you suspect your child has the flu, see their doctor. You may feel “feverish” when you have an elevated temperature. Signs include chills, sweats, or being cold despite your body’s high temperature. Most fevers last for less than 1 week, usually around 3 to 4 days. Cough A dry, persistent cough is common with the flu. The cough may worsen, becoming uncomfortable and painful. You may sometimes experience shortness of breath or chest discomfort during this time. Many flu-related coughs can last for about 2 weeks. Muscle aches Flu-related muscle pains are most common in your neck, back, arms, and legs. They can often be severe, making it difficult to move even when trying to perform basic tasks. Headache Your first symptom of the flu may be a severe headache. Sometimes symptoms, including light and sound sensitivity, go along with your headache. Fatigue Feeling tired is a not-so-obvious symptom of the flu. Feeling generally unwell can be a sign of many conditions. These feelings of tiredness and fatigue may come on fast and be difficult to overcome. Learn more about how to recognize the symptoms of the flu. Flu shot: Know the facts Influenza is a serious virus that leads to many illnesses each year. You don’t have to be young or have a compromised immune system to get gravely ill from the flu. Healthy people can get sick from the flu and spread it to friends and family. In some cases, the flu can even be deadly. Flu-related deaths are most common in people ages 65 and older, but can be seen in children and young adults. The best and most efficient way to avoid the flu and prevent spreading it is to get a flu vaccination.

The flu vaccine is available in the following forms: injectable shot high-dose injectable shot (for those over age 65) intradermal shot nasal spray The more people that get vaccinated against the flu, the less the flu can spread. It also helps with herd immunity, helping to protect those who can’t get the vaccine for medical reasons. Vaccination can also help lessen the severity of the illness if you do end up getting the flu. How does the flu shot work? To make the vaccine, scientists select the strains of the flu virus that research suggests will be the most common in the coming flu season. Millions of vaccines with those strains are produced and distributed. Once you receive the vaccine, your body begins producing antibodies against those strains of the virus. These antibodies provide protection against the virus. If you come into contact with the flu virus at a later point, you can avoid contracting it. You may get sick if you end up coming into contact with a different strain of the virus. But the symptoms will be less severe because you had the vaccination.