Cold, Flu, or Covid

It’s that time of the year, which means we are in “cold and flu” season. Most infectious disease experts say it should be called, “viral infection” season because in addition to cold and flu, upper respiratory illnesses like rhinovirus and parainfluenza are ripe this time of year. In addition to the myriad of viruses prevalent in the winter months, we can now add COVID-19 to the list.

Most of these illnesses have similar characteristics and sometimes it’s difficult to distinguish which illness you may have acquired. The rule of thumb according to Saint Mary’s Hospital Infectious Disease expert, Michael Simms, M.D., is “a sore throat, runny nose and laryngitis are typically a rhinovirus or viral upper respiratory illness. If you’re short of breath, regardless, you should see the doctor because it could be COVID or the Flu, both of which can be treated.” Dr. Simms says that the common cold generally does not cause shortness of breath. If you are feeling somewhere in the middle of cold symptoms and flu like symptoms, and you are getting worse, it might be time to see a doctor. If you are somewhere in the middle and getting better, it’s likely a rhinovirus and you will get better without medical treatment.

Dr. Simms says, “in all cases stay away from people. Don’t go to work, wear a mask, and ahead of time make sure you get your flu and COVID-19 vaccines, which will very much decrease your risk of developing any symptoms.”

Ultimately, he says testing is truly the only way to confidently determine whether you have the flu or COVID-19. PCR testing today is advanced enough to identify exactly which virus you have, which will help your doctor effectively treat the illness.