Difference Between Cold, Flu and COVID-19
June 4, 2020

Cold, flu, and COVID-19 are all respiratory diseases and have similar symptoms. At the outset, it may seem that they are alike, but there are some distinct differences that will help you tell them apart. They are all caused by different viruses belonging to the coronavirus family, but there are clear differences in their onset, progress, and severity.
This comparison chart will help you differentiate them.
Fever | Rare | Common | Common |
Cough | Mild- moderate | Common | Common |
Shortness of breath | Mild | Sometimes | Common |
Trouble breathing | Rare | Rare | Common |
Respiratory issues | Sometimes | Sometimes | Common |
Fatigue | Sometimes | Common | Common |
Runny nose | Common | Sometimes | Sometimes |
Nasal congestion | Common | Sometimes | Sometimes |
Diarrhea | Rare | Sometimes | Sometimes |
Body aches | Slight | Common | Sometimes |
Sore throat | Common | Sometimes | Sometimes |
Headache | Rare | Common | Sometimes |
Loss of appetite | Sometimes | Common | Sometimes |
Chills | Uncommon | Fairly common | Sometimes |
New loss of taste and smell | Sometimes | Sometimes | Sometimes |
A runny nose, nasal congestion, and sore throat are common symptoms of a cold, but are not common in the Flu and COVID-19. Flu and COVID-19 both present symptoms such as fever of over 100°F and cough, but with COVID-19 19 you get a severe dry cough. The one defining symptom of COVID-19 is severe shortness of breath.
Respiratory Issues are Common Only in COVID-19
While some symptoms may be common to cold, flu, and COVID-19, respiratory issues are seen only in COVID-19. In 80% of the infected people, COVID-19 causes only mild or no symptoms. In about 15%, the symptoms may require hospitalization, and about 5% may require ICU care.
Coronavirus can lead to severe COVID-19, which could cause pneumonia, respiratory failure, septic shock, and death. If you have any of the symptoms (especially trouble breathing, chest pain or pressure, confusion, bluish lips or face, or inability to wake up fully), please seek medical help immediately.
If you do not have any symptoms, prevent infection by staying home, regularly washing hands with soap for about 20 seconds, wearing a mask when going out, and staying at least 6 feet away from other people.
COVID-19 can be prevented. Let’s stay separate and work together to stop the virus.