If the coronavirus wasn’t enough, it’s also cold and flu season. AND…if that wasn’t enough, we are also going into allergy season (it’s a lot, I know). But don’t worry, while some of the symptoms of all four are similar, each one has distinct qualities to help figure out which infection you may have. Details for each are listed below:
Is It COVID?
COVID-19 is still changing, and new variants continue to appear around the world. Back in 2023, the variants called EG.5 (nicknamed “Eris”) and FL.1.5.1 (“Fornax”) were the most common in the U.S. By 2024, newer versions known as the “FLiRT” strains (like KP.2 and KP.3) started spreading more widely. Now, in 2025, the variant called NB.1.8.1—sometimes nicknamed “Nimbus”—has become the leading strain in the U.S., making up about four out of 10 cases. Another strain, LP.8.1, is also common, and a newer one called XFG (“Stratus”) is starting to grow as well. Experts note that tracking is harder now because fewer virus samples are being tested, so the numbers are estimates, but the bottom line is that COVID is still changing—and staying up to date on vaccines and boosters remains one of the best ways to stay protected.
Some strains can cause only mild symptoms (like the common cold). However, some strains, like COVID-19 and its many variants, can cause severe illness.
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Symptoms of COVID-19 can include:
– Shortness of breath
– Fever (above 100 degrees)
– Dry cough
– Gradual onset (two to 14 days after onset)
– Chest pain or tightness
– Sometimes headache
– Sometimes aches and pains
– Mild sneezing
– Sometimes fatigue, but it’s not predominant like the flu
– Diarrhea is rare
The severity of COVID-19 symptoms ranges from mild to severe. If you think you might have COVID-19, check out our section about how to get tested. If you want to go to a hospital, remember to call ahead and let them know your symptoms before you go in. They may have you go in at certain times or by yourself in an effort to protect hospital staff and other patients.
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Is it Allergies?
Symptoms of seasonal allergies range from mild to severe and occur seasonally. The most common include:
– sneezing
– runny or stuffy nose
– watery and itchy eyes
– itchy sinuses, throat, or ear canals
– ear congestion
– postnasal drainage
– Less Common Symptoms Include:
– headache
– shortness of breath
– wheezing
– coughing
Since allergies can sometimes make people feel as though they’re getting sick, allergies mainly cause itchy and watery eyes, a runny nose, congestion and sneezing.
A major difference between allergies and coronavirus is the presence of fever, a main symptom of coronavirus, but not a feature of seasonal allergies.
Is it a Cold?
While you may feel “blah” and just not like doing anything, when you have a cold, the symptoms are generally mild compared to more aggressive viruses like the flu. A cold can cause any or all of these…symptoms:
– Runny or stuffy nose
– Cough (mild)
– Fatigue (sometimes)
– Sneezing
– Watery eyes
– Sore throat
– Headaches (rarely)
– Aches and pains
Most over-the-counter medications can knock out many cold symptoms within a few hours. A typical cold will last on average seven to 10 days, but can be managed with over-the-counter meds. The majority of the symptoms are actually not caused by the infection itself, but rather our body’s immune system trying to get rid of it (i.e., shivering). Most cold viruses will go away if we’re patient and give our bodies time to fight them. Your immune system is the greatest defense against the common cold.
Is it the Flu?
Seasonal influenza (better known as the flu) is like that ex that just won’t go away: just when you’re feeling good, he pops up and just leaves you feeling yucky (you like that analogy)? It usually affects your nose, throat, and lungs and can last from five to seven days. Here are some common symptoms of the flu:
– Fever and/or chills
– Cough (usually dry)
– Fatigue
– Aches and pains
– Runny or stuffy nose (sometimes)
– Sore throat (sometimes)
– Diarrhea (sometimes in children)
Unlike for colds or coronavirus, vaccination is a good way to prevent the flu. If you received a flu shot and still get the flu, your symptoms are generally milder than if you didn’t receive the flu shot. Most people with the flu get well without medical treatment. Stay home and get plenty of rest and fluids and treat a fever with acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin).
Original article found here.
