Flu, Cold, or COVID-19? How to Tell the Difference | Primary Care

A sniffle or a cough may make you wonder if the cause is a cold, the flu, or is it something worse such as COVID-19? Because these diseases share a variety of signs, it’s difficult to differentiate between them. That’s why consulting a primary care doctor in El Monte is essential–especially during flu season and COVID-19 surges.

This document outlines the main differences between these ailments, the best time it is appropriate to seek medical treatment, as well as how an El Monte-based medical clinic for primary care clinic El Monte can help keep you and your family members healthy.

Cold Vs. Flu. COVID-19: A Quick Comparative

Here is a quick description of the most commonly reported signs:

Symptoms	Common Cold	Influenza (Flu)	COVID-19
At the onset of symptoms	Gradual	Sudden	Rapid or abrupt
Fever	Rare	Common (high)	Common, but varies
Fatigue	Mild	Severe	Common
Cough	Mild/moderate	Severe, dry	Persistent, often dry
The throat is swollen	Common	Sometimes	Sometimes
Breathing shortness	Rare	Rare	It is common in cases of moderate to severe severity.
Smell and taste loss	Rare	Rare	Common (unique signature)
Achy body	Mild	Common/severe	Common
Duration	7-10 days	A couple of weeks	Variables, could last for a few weeks

How a Primary Care Doctor in El Monte Helps Diagnose Illness

If you’re uncertain if the problem is the flu, cold, or COVID-19 illness, visiting a primary care doctor El Monte can save time and worry. Doctors utilize:

Physical examinations are used to determine the vital indicators.
Tests for rapid flu or throat swabs for the flu.
COVID-19 PCR or antigen tests for accurate results.
A chest exam or X-rays can be used in severe situations.

Early diagnosis allows for an appropriate treatment plan and avoids any complications.

When to Seek Medical Care Immediately

Visit a primary-care clinic located in El Monte or go to urgent care if you or someone you love has:

A high fever (above the 102 degree mark) that will not go away.
Breathing shortness or chest discomfort.
Constant confusion or dizziness.
Severe dehydration (no urination, dry mouth, dizziness).
Acute symptoms that last over 10 days and without improvement.

Treatment Options: Cold, Flu, and COVID-19

Common Cold

Rehydration, rest and prescription relief.
The symptoms typically resolve within the course of a week.

Influenza (Flu)

Antiviral prescriptions (e.g. Tamiflu) are effective if they are taken at a young age.
Good supply of fluids, and the rest.
The annual flu vaccine helps prevent severe illness.

COVID-19

Antivirals (e.g., Paxlovid) are prescribed to patients at high risk.
Isolation of the patient to avoid spread.
CoVID-19 vaccines and boosters continue to be the best way to protect yourself.

Tips for Prevention Received from El Monte Primary Care Experts

Your best defense is prevention. Primary care physicians in the local area of El Monte recommend:

Get an annual flu shot (especially in the months before the season of flu).
Stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations.
Good hygiene–handwashing, covering coughs, avoiding face-touching.
Lifestyle choices that promote healthy living, balanced eating habits as well as exercise. rest.
Masks are used during outbreaks and at large indoor gatherings.

Local Resources in El Monte

If you’re within the San Gabriel Valley, you do not have to be able to tell if it’s a flu, cold or COVID-19. Numerous primary care clinics located within El Monte offer same-day appointments for on-site testing and even telehealth services to provide you with security.

Conclusion

The cold, the flu COVID-19 and colds may appear the same, however, key distinctions will make it easier to distinguish between them. However, the most effective way to prevent them is to see a primary healthcare physician located in El Monte for accurate testing and advice. Through expert treatment and preventive measures to protect your health as well as your family’s health throughout the year.

FAQs

Q. What can I do to quickly determine whether I’m suffering from a cold or flu?

The severity of colds is usually lower with a slow onset. However, the flu can strike suddenly, causing intense fever, fatigue and body pains.

Q. Do you think that loss of smell is always COVID-19?

However, an abrupt loss of smell or taste is often associated with COVID-19 as compared to flu and cold.

Q. Do I have to visit the primary doctor at El Monte for mild symptoms?

Yes. Mild symptoms may suggest COVID-19 or the flu. The doctor will be able to provide tests as well as peace of mind.

Q. How can I avoid all three of them?

Although you cannot guarantee that prevention vaccinations, hand washing, and healthy lifestyles significantly lower your chance of getting sick.

Q. How can I be tested at El Monte?

The majority of primary care clinics are located in El Monte and local pharmacies have COVID-19 and flu tests typically with results within the same day.