Health Care

Check Your Symptoms — What Might Be Ailing You

A man sneezing in bed.
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It’s sniffles season again. But how can you tell whether you have a cold, the flu, COVID-19 or another infection? This symptom guide might point you in the right direction.

Cold

COVID-19

Flu

Strep Throat

Bronchitis

What is it? Viral infection Coronavirus Viral infection Bacterial infection Viral infection
Symptoms

- Low-grade fever

- Sneezing, runny nose

- Mild cough

- Slight muscle aches

- Cough

- Difficulty breathing

- Fever

- Vomiting and diarrhea (mostly in children)

- Loss of taste or smell 

- Sore throat

- Headache

- Sudden and high fever above 101°F

- Stuffy, runny nose

- Headache

- Muscle Aches

- Fever

- Pain when swallowing

- Sore throat that may start quickly

- Red and swollen tonsils

- Red spots on roof of mouth

- Coughing with or without mucus

- Soreness in chest

- Fatigue

- Mild headache

- Mild body aches

Best Prevention

Wash your hands often and avoid close contact with people who are sick

Wear a face covering, maintain social distancing of 6 ft. and wash your hands often Get your annual flu vaccine and wash hands often Practice good hand hygiene Wash your hands often, don’t smoke and stay up to date on recommended vaccines
Best Course of Action

Rest and Over-The-Counter Medicines

Call your doctor and avoid contact with others Rest, fluids and antiviral medicines, if needed Antibiotics after positive strep test Rest, fluids and clean humidifier or cool-mist vaporizer

When to See the Doctor?

If your symptoms don’t improve or you start noticing new symptoms, schedule a visit to your  primary care provider. Help prevent the flu by getting your seasonal flu vaccine either at your primary care provider’s office or schedule an appointment with your nearest urgent care location.

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