Before the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the most asked questions this time of year was, “Is it a cold or is it the flu?” Fast-forward to today when COVID-19’s Omicron variant is running rampant and the question that could easily be asked is, “Is it COVID-19, the flu or just a bad cold?”
Let’s Clear Up The COLD-VID Confusion!
Like a cold and the flu, it can be hard to know the difference. Add COVID-19 to the mix and there’s another illness symptoms that are very similar to the flu and colds. Because the symptoms for Covid can be mild like a cold, largely in people who are vaccinated, it can be even more complicated to know when it may be time to see a doctor and get tested.
Here are some signs you can look at to help gauge whether you simply need some rest, or a visit to your local Freedom Urgent Care. Below are some of the most common symptoms of each of these irritating illnesses.
Cold vs. Flu Vs. COVID-19
| Symptoms | Cold | Flu | COVID-19 |
| Cough | Yes (wet) | Yes (dry) | Yes (dry) |
| Fever | Yes (mild) | Yes (moderate to severe) | Yes (mild to severe) |
| Fatigue | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Soreness | No | Yes | Yes |
| Vomiting | No | Yes | Yes |
| Diarrhea | No | No | Yes |
| Loss of Taste | No | No | Yes |
Covid-19 shares a lot of the same symptoms as both the cold and flu, so it may be worthwhile to go take a test just to be safe. This is especially true for anyone who has been exposed to COVID at some point within the last two weeks.
Freedom Urgent Care Is Here For You
Freedom Urgent Care offers Rapid COVID-19 testing at both clinics in the Harker Heights area. Rapid tests tell patients whether they are positive or negative for COVID-19 in less than 15 minutes. Freedom Urgent Care clinics are also set up to ensure that you get the best treatment possible.
If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms including difficulty breathing, high fever, uncontrollable vomiting, diarrhea, or bleeding, you may be experiencing a medical emergency. Call 911 and go immediately to the nearest ER.
If you just want to find out whether its COVID-19, the flu or a bad cold, walk-in to any one of our locations. If there is a wait, you can also reduce the time it takes to see a clinician by reserving your place in line on your computer or mobile device before you even leave your home. Click here to check-in online.