Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Distinguishing whether symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, and fatigue are due to COVID-19, flu, a cold, or allergies can be difficult because of overlapping signs. Dr. Brooke Bozick, a respiratory disease expert, explains that both flu and COVID-19 can cause fever, cough, headaches, and body aches, and are transmitted through respiratory particles from sneezing, coughing, talking, or singing. People infected with either virus may also be asymptomatic yet still contagious.
According to Dr. Aubree Gordon, flu symptoms typically appear within 1 to 4 days after infection, while COVID-19 symptoms usually develop around 5 days after infection, but can range from 2 to 14 days. Loss of smell or taste is sometimes unique to COVID-19. Despite these differences, testing is the only reliable way to confirm whether an illness is COVID-19 or flu. Tests are available at pharmacies, doctors' offices, and for home use with approved kits.
Colds, caused by different viruses, generally result in milder symptoms such as runny nose, cough, congestion, and sore throat, typically without fever or body aches. Recovery from colds usually takes a few days. Treatment includes rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications. Other remedies, like honey for nighttime coughs in children over one year and nasal rinsing with properly prepared water, may also help relieve symptoms.