What's the Difference Between a Cold, the Flu and COVID-19?

The good news is that for most people the treatment for each of these illnesses is largely the same: rest, get plenty of fluids, and treat symptoms such as fever and body aches with over-the-counter medicine.

Still wondering about the differences (and similarities) among the three illnesses? Michelle Shukhman, DO, an internal medicine specialist at Cedars-Sinai, explains the basics below.

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Flu

Influenza—or the flu—is a serious disease that can lead to severe illness or even death. An estimated 32 million to 57 million Americans came down with the flu last season, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Almost half of them were so ill they paid a visit to their healthcare providers.

Flu symptoms include:

• Fever
• Muscle pains and body aches
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Vomiting and diarrhea

"The flu spreads mainly through respiratory droplets that travel through the air when we talk, sing, cough or sneeze," said Shukhman.

It's also possible to get infected with the flu by touching the same surface as someone who is infected or by shaking hands or sharing cups and glasses.

Most people who get the flu develop symptoms within four days of infection, and those symptoms usually resolve within two weeks. A flu vaccine is available, and the best way to protect yourself against the flu is to get a flu shot every year and practice good hand hygiene.

The flu spreads mainly through respiratory droplets that travel through the air when we talk, sing, cough or sneeze.

COVID-19

SARS-CoV-2 is a potentially deadly virus that can lead to COVID-19. Like the flu, it mainly spreads through respiratory droplets when someone who is infected talks, sings, sneezes or coughs. An estimated 4 million to 12.4 million Americans were sick with COVID-19 last season, according to the CDC. Roughly 18% to 20% of them were so ill they paid a visit to their healthcare providers.

COVID-19 symptoms include:

• Fever
• Muscle pains and body aches
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Loss or change in taste and smell
• Skin reactions
• Difficulty breathing

COVID-19 symptoms may appear anywhere from two to 14 days after infection with SARS-CoV-2. The fallout from COVID-19 can last from days to months. COVID-19 vaccines are available, and staying up to date on your shots can help prevent serious illness or death. Practicing good hand hygiene also can help you avoid coming down with COVID-19.

The Common Cold

A cold can make you feel miserable, but compared to COVID-19 and the flu, the symptoms are usually mild. Colds are spread through close contact with someone who is sick, including contact with respiratory droplets, shaking hands, or sharing cups and glasses. According to the CDC, the average American adult will get two to three colds a year, and children will get more.

Cold symptoms include:

• Runny or stuffed nose
• Sneezing
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Headaches

"The common cold is not as deadly as the flu or COVID-19. But since any built-up immunity wanes over the course of a year, you can get the same common cold multiple times," Shukhman says.

Cold symptoms generally last seven to 10 days while your immune system battles the virus. There is no vaccine for the common cold, but basic precautions such as practicing good hand hygiene can help you avoid catching a cold.

What to Do If You're Infected

If you feel sick—be it the flu, COVID-19 or the common cold—it's important to check in with your primary care provider if you have worsening symptoms, particularly if you fall into a high-risk group such as older adults, people with underlying medical conditions and pregnant women.

If you’re suffering from mild cold and flu-like symptoms, you can treat your symptoms with over-the-counter medications. Take a nasal decongestant for a runny nose, a cough suppressant for a cough, and acetaminophen for fever, aches and pains.

Even if your symptoms are mild, you should still quarantine until you feel better before returning to your usual activities.

As with most things related to health, the best offense is a good defense. You'll be better equipped to sidestep all viruses if you follow basic safety precautions: Practice good hand hygiene and stay up to date on your recommended vaccines.

Then, bolster your immune system by eating a diet featuring plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains as well as exercising regularly and getting plenty of sleep.

"That way, if you do get sick, you'll have a better chance for a speedy recovery," Shukhman says.