Allergies, Cold, Flu or COVID-19 Virus?
Here's how to tell the difference between allergy symptoms and the novel 2019 Coronavirus.
Symptoms |
Allergies |
Cold |
Influenza |
COVID-19 |
Symptoms begin |
Gradually |
Gradually |
Abruptly |
Within 14 days of exposure |
Symptoms last |
Allergy season |
4 - 10 days |
5 - 7 days |
Varies by person |
Body aches |
— |
✓ |
✓ |
Sometimes |
Chills |
— |
Less common |
✓ |
Sometimes |
Dry cough |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
Exposure to germs |
— |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
Fatigue/weakness |
Sometimes |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
Fever |
— |
Less common |
✓ |
✓ |
Headaches |
✓ |
Less common |
✓ |
Sometimes |
Itchy eyes |
✓ |
— |
— |
— |
Nasal congestion |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
Less common |
Nausea/Vomiting/Diarrhea |
— |
Sometimes |
Sometimes |
Sometimes |
New loss of taste or smell |
Sometimes |
Sometimes |
Sometimes |
✓ |
Repeated shaking with chills |
— |
Sometimes |
Sometimes |
Sometimes |
Runny nose |
✓ |
— |
— |
Less common |
Sneeze |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
Sometimes |
Sore throat |
Sometimes |
✓ |
✓ |
Sometimes |
Shortness of breath |
Sometimes |
Less common |
✓ |
✓ |
Symptoms get worse |
— |
— |
✓ |
✓ |
Think You Have COVID-19?
- 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.
|