Allergies, Cold, Flu or COVID-19 Virus?
This information has been reviewed and approved by Lisa Maier, MD and Rosine Angbanzan, MPH (February 2022)
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 | — | — | ✓ | ✓ |
Symptoms may differ with each new COVID variant. Talk to your doctor for additional information and review the CDC’s variant updates here. Anyone experiencing severe symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.
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.
The information on our website is medically reviewed and accurate at the time of publication. Due to the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, information may have since changed. CDC.gov and your state’s health department may offer additional guidance. |
