Cold, flu, hay fever, or COVID - Which one do I have?

Maybe you’ve developed a mild cough, sore throat and a runny nose, and you are panicking. That’s understandable, especially now, with COVID-19 and Omicron a constant worry. It’s important to remember that as concerning as COVID-19 is, most people recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Some people never even have symptoms.

In fact, many of the most common COVID-19 symptoms are commonly seen in other illnesses, like the flu, the common cold or seasonal allergies such as hay fever (see Table 1).

Around many parts of the world, the cough and cold, flu and allergy seasons are all happening now -- all at the same time -- which can make deciphering your symptoms even more challenging. You may end up with mixed symptoms (such as allergy and COVID-19 symptoms), so it can get complicated. Comparing the most common features of COVID-19 with other viruses and allergies that circulate throughout the year might be a helpful start.

The initial COVID-19 symptoms tend to appear within the first 2 to 14 days, usually around day 5 to 6. The most common ones -- fever, cough and shortness of breath -- are well-known and expected features,. With Omicron, a sore throat and nose congestion, occurring more in the upper respiratory system, also seem to be common. Omicron symptoms may appear more quickly than previous variants, around day 3 after exposure.

Symptoms of COVID-19 are usually mild and start gradually. Although fever, cough, shortness of breath and fatigue are frequent symptoms, not everyone is painting the same picture. Some features, like diarrhea and headache, may occur less frequently. Children may exhibit a different set of symptoms or no symptoms at all.

The CDC states that anyone with Omicron infection, now the primary variant in the US, can spread the virus to others, even if they are vaccinated or don’t have symptoms.

Table 1: Symptoms of COVID-19, the Flu, a Cold and Allergies

Does everyone show COVID-19 symptoms if they have this virus?

No, it seems not everyone who is infected with coronavirus is exhibiting symptoms, especially with Omicron, which might make it hard to control this outbreak. Those without symptoms may be able to transmit COVID-19 disease to others, and that’s another reason why staying at home, keeping at least 6 feet of social distancing, using an upgraded face mask in public (N95, KN95), and frequent and thorough hand washing are so important. This can’t be overstated enough.

When to seek emergency care

It’s important to know your symptoms and seek advice when needed. If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19, contact emergency care immediately. Severe cases can lead to pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome and can be fatal. Emergency warning signs include:

• trouble breathing
• persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• new confusion or inability to arouse
• bluish lips or face

Call your doctor

If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call your health care provider for medical and testing advice. You may need to shelter in place, undergo testing, and seek medical care.

Learn more: When should I test for COVID?

Those at high risk for COVID-19 complications

Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable and should take special precautions to avoid contact with the virus. These higher risk groups include those with chronic conditions such as:

• heart disease
• high blood pressure
• lung diseases such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• diabetes.