Allergies, Cold, Flu or COVID? This information has been reviewed and approved by Patrick Stendel, MPH, Infection Preventionist (January 2024). Allergies, Cold, Flu or COVID?SymptomsColdFluCOVID-19Symptoms beginGraduallyAbruptlyWithin 14 days of exposureSymptoms last4 - 10 days5 - 7 daysVaries by personBody aches✓✓SometimesChillsLess common✓SometimesDry cough✓✓✓Exposure to germs✓✓✓Fatigue/weakness✓✓✓FeverLess common✓✓HeadachesLess common✓SometimesItchy eyes———Nasal congestion✓✓SometimesNausea/Vomiting/DiarrheaSometimesSometimesSometimesNew loss of taste or smellSometimesSometimes✓Repeated shaking with chillsSometimesSometimesSometimesRunny nose——SometimesSneeze✓✓SometimesSore throat✓✓SometimesShortness of breathLess common✓✓Symptoms get worse—✓✓ Think You Have a Virus?Stay home and away from others.Monitor symptoms.Rest.Cover coughs and sneezes.Wash hands with soap and water often.Treat symptoms.Contact your doctor if you have a fever, cough, difficulty breathing or existing chronic disease.