Are There Ways to Tell COVID-19 and the Flu Apart?

The potential for COVID-19 and the flu combining to cause a “twindemic” this year are much higher than they were last year, due to no more required social distancing and fewer mask mandates.

If you start to feel under the weather this winter, it can be difficult to know what you’re coming down with. Our AFC Urgent Care NC team is here to help you know how to decipher between COVID-19 and the flu, so keep reading!

How Can I Know If I Have COVID-19?

COVID-19 symptoms and flu symptoms look a lot alike, but they’re caused by two different viruses. The flu is caused by an infection with influenza viruses, while COVID-19 is caused by an infection with a new coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2.

Truthfully, the best way to know whether you have COVID-19 is by getting tested when you start to experience symptoms. If you choose not to get tested, though, experts say that one of the most telling signs of COVID-19 is a new loss of taste or smell and difficulty breathing. If you experience these symptoms, including some of the ones we’ve listed below, we strongly encourage you to schedule a COVID-19 test at one of our AFC Urgent Care NC centers to get an accurate diagnosis.

More Symptoms of COVID-19

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

How Do I Know If I Have the Flu?

Even with the flu, the best way to know whether you have it is by getting tested. Because COVID-19 is still taking priority right now, it’s important to get tested for that before getting tested for the flu. If you test negative for COVID-19, you likely have the flu.

Additionally, flu symptoms generally on come on much stronger and much more suddenly than COVID-19 symptoms. Plus, the flu doesn’t usually cause as many serious illnesses as COVID-19. We’ve listed some more common symptoms of the flu below.

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

Remember, AFC Urgent Care NC has got your back! Visit us if you feel under the weather today.