Is It the Seasonal Flu?
Symptoms | COVID-19* | Cold | Flu | Allergies |
---|---|---|---|---|
Fever | Common (measured at 100°F or higher) | Rare | High (100° – 102°F), can last 3 – 4 days | Rare |
Headache | Sometimes | Rare | Intense | Sometimes |
General aches, pains | Sometimes | Slight | Common (often severe) | Rare |
Fatigue, weakness | Common | Slight | Common (often severe) | Sometimes |
Extreme exhaustion | Sometimes (progresses slowly) | Rare | Common (starts early) | Rare |
Stuffy nose | Rare*** | Common | Sometimes | Common |
Sneezing | Rare*** | Common | Sometimes | Common |
Sore throat | Rare*** | Common | Common | Sometimes |
Cough | Common | Mild to moderate | Common (can become severe) | Sometimes |
Shortness of breath | In more serious infections | Rare | Rare | Common |
Runny nose | Rare | Common | Sometimes | Common |
Diarrhea | Sometimes | Rare | Sometimes** | Rare |
If viewing this chart on your phone, scroll to the left to see all symptoms.
*COVID-19 information is still evolving.
**This symptom is specific to children.
***More common in omicron variant infections.
Sources: CDC, WHO, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.