symptoms and how to distinguish which one you have

by time news

Covid-19, flu, common cold, allergies… There are many conditions that come together on these dates and that seem to spread rapidly, especially due to the absence of masks and, therefore, the disappearance of this extra protection. The low temperatures that are marking winter throughout Spain have brought with them an endless number of viruses that have similar symptoms, such as coughing, malaise, sore throat, tiredness… Hence, this generates a lot of confusion among patients, who should always choose to consult their doctor in case of doubt. And there are those who wonder how can infectious diseases be differentiated that have been affecting a good number of people for weeks.

What are the symptoms of a cold

The common cold presents its symptoms progressively and usually does not last more than ten days. While this can be caused by various types of viruses and it is common for it to appear with stuffy and runny nose, sore throat, coughing and sneezingCovid-19 and the flu often add feverish pictures to these symptoms.

What are the symptoms of the flu

For its part, the flu is also caused by a virus and tends to produce fever, fatigue, headache and muscle pain, cough or chills. Sometimes, loss of taste or smell can occur, more frequent in Covid-19, which leads to confusion.

In most cases, these symptoms appear suddenly, unlike a cold, and can lead to a stuffy or runny nose. Its duration ranges from seven to 14 days..

What are the symptoms of Covid-19

Since Covid-19 broke into the world in 2020, its symptoms and their intensity have been changing. But often this virus causes fever, muscle pain, dry cough, or shortness of breath, like the flu. Tiredness, sore throat or diarrhea, and nausea, and sometimes loss of smell or taste, are also common.

Symptoms appear gradually, between two and 14 days after exposure to the virus, and there are cases that can be mild and others more serious, linked to pneumonia or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

How are the flu, colds and Covid-19 similar?

If there’s one thing the flu, a cold, and Covid-19 are alike, it’s that they’re viral respiratory diseases, which share the same route of transmission. Thus, they are caused by viruses that spread, above all, through particles that the infected person spreads when coughing, sneezing or speaking. Also it is possible to get it by touching infected surfaces or objects and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

In addition, these three diseases are caused by contagious viruses but, in the case of Covid-19, the probability of transmission is higherand it can spread during the incubation period, when there are no symptoms or they are very mild.


Medications such as ibuprofen increase body heat after ingestion

What test to take to find out if you have the flu or Covid-19

The similarities and differences between the symptoms of these diseases, to which seasonal allergies are already beginning to add, make it not an easy task to name the condition that is suffered. A good method to discover it is to make use of the tests for influenza A, influenza B and Covid-19 that can be purchased at pharmacies.

If a negative is obtained in all three tests, but the symptoms are compatible with any of them, the diagnosis may be a common cold.

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