Signs to Look For When Confused Between Flu, Cold, and COVID-19

Sudden high fever is the first item to check when confused between flu, cold, and COVID-19. Influenza can present with a sudden fever of over 38 degrees Celsius, but other respiratory infections, including COVID-19, can also cause fever, making it impossible to differentiate based solely on temperature. In practice, it is sufficient to record the temperature and the onset time of symptoms and observe the condition.

What to check includes the duration of high fever and changes after antipyretics, and particularly, it’s crucial not to delay medical consultation for high fever in high-risk groups. Decisions regarding vaccination, testing, and medical consultation may differ depending on individual health history and treatment circumstances, so follow the guidance of healthcare professionals. Confirm eligibility and schedule based on the official guidance for this season.

Muscle pain and severe fatigue is the second item to check when confused between flu, cold, and COVID-19. General symptoms like headache, muscle pain, and fatigue are common in influenza but can also overlap with COVID-19, making it difficult to diagnose based solely on symptom intensity. In practice, it’s advisable to rest while recording accompanying symptoms and contact points.

What to check includes the extent to which symptoms interfere with daily life and whether they worsen, and particularly, it’s important to note that if severe weakness persists, medical consultation should be sought. Decisions regarding vaccination, testing, and medical consultation may differ depending on individual health history and treatment circumstances, so follow the guidance of healthcare professionals. If memory is uncertain, it’s safer to verify vaccination records with health workers.

Cough and sore throat is the third item to check when confused between flu, cold, and COVID-19. Coughing and throat pain can appear in cold, influenza, and COVID-19, so selecting antibiotics or antivirals based on throat condition alone is not advisable. In practice, it’s helpful to wear a mask and reduce contact with others.

What to check includes whether respiratory distress, chest pain, or changes in sputum accompany the symptoms, and particularly, sharing prescribed medication with others should be avoided. Decisions regarding vaccination, testing, and medical consultation may differ depending on individual health history and treatment circumstances, so follow the guidance of healthcare professionals. A quick phone call before visiting can reduce unnecessary trips due to stock shortages.

Runny nose and nasal congestion is the fourth item to check when confused between flu, cold, and COVID-19. While runny nose and nasal congestion are common cold symptoms, they can also accompany influenza and COVID-19, making them insufficient as a clear distinguishing criterion. In practice, it’s advisable to stay hydrated and monitor changes in symptoms and temperature.

What to check includes whether fever, body aches, and cough also occur, and particularly, mild symptoms should not eliminate the possibility of infection. Decisions regarding vaccination, testing, and medical consultation may differ depending on individual health history and treatment circumstances, so follow the guidance of healthcare professionals. Family conditions of different ages and health statuses should not be applied directly.

Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea is the fifth item to check when confused between flu, cold, and COVID-19. In pediatric influenza, gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may present, so don’t regard it solely as gastroenteritis; consider respiratory symptoms and the current outbreak situation as well. In practice, observe signs of dehydration and provide small amounts of fluids.

What to check includes urine volume, dry mouth, and repeated vomiting, and particularly, seek medical attention quickly if unable to drink water or feeling weak. Decisions regarding vaccination, testing, and medical consultation may differ depending on individual health history and treatment circumstances, so follow the guidance of healthcare professionals. If symptoms change, don’t stick to the original plan; re-consult.

Changes in smell and taste is the sixth item to check when confused between flu, cold, and COVID-19. Changes in smell or taste are known symptoms of COVID-19, but the presentation may vary based on mutations and individuals, so the absence of these symptoms does not exclude COVID-19. In practice, it’s advisable to consider testing according to healthcare institution guidelines if necessary.

What to check includes recent exposure, outbreak situations, and other symptoms, and particularly, do not ignore warning signs based solely on self-test results. Decisions regarding vaccination, testing, and medical consultation may differ depending on individual health history and treatment circumstances, so follow the guidance of healthcare professionals. Online information does not replace medical judgments or consultations.

Shortness of breath and chest pain is the seventh item to check when confused between flu, cold, and COVID-19. Experiencing shortness of breath or chest pain, along with altered consciousness, are warning signs needing prompt medical evaluation rather than attempting to distinguish the causative disease at home. In practice, if symptoms are severe, seek help from emergency services or an emergency medical system.

What to check includes cyanosis, changes in consciousness, and decreased oxygen saturation, and particularly, avoid driving in such situations. Decisions regarding vaccination, testing, and medical consultation may differ depending on individual health history and treatment circumstances, so follow the guidance of healthcare professionals. If emergency signals occur, treatment should be prioritized over notes or reports.

Indistinguishable by symptoms alone is the eighth item to check when confused between flu, cold, and COVID-19. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency explains that COVID-19 symptoms are common to other respiratory viral infections, making it difficult to clearly differentiate based on symptoms alone. Decisions may vary based on an individual's vaccination history and current health status, so it’s essential to provide accurate information to healthcare professionals. In practice, it is best to confirm the cause through testing and medical judgment.

What to check includes age, underlying conditions, symptom onset time, and exposure history, and particularly, online symptom checkers should not be used as definitive diagnostic tools. Decisions regarding vaccination, testing, and medical consultation may differ depending on individual health history and treatment circumstances, so follow the guidance of healthcare professionals. Let’s rely on the latest guidelines from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency rather than past seasonal data.